Must be the express redemption program. My wife had her identity stolen and someone took her tax refund (she was a student at the time and entitled to a LARGE refund) and we didn't see a penny of that money until four and a half years later.
In truth, I'm surprised the patents were able to get it back at all. Maybe next time they will leave the shredder unplugged and locked away! I'm just glad no little fingers went in with the bills.