Police chief Aminta Granera said the money was found in three of the vans.

BBC: Nicaraguan police seize $7m from fake Mexico journalists

"That allowed him to falsify American passports, a driver's license and credit cards from three American banks, " Director General Aminta Granera said.

CNN: Fugitive on 'Most Wanted' list returned to U.S.

Aminta Granera told the Associated Press news agency that the elaborate operation was aimed at smuggling cash through Nicaragua to Costa Rica, further south.

BBC: Nicaraguan police seize $7m from fake Mexico journalists