Detectives from Lucky Summer Police Station have apprehended a 38-year-old man suspected to be behind a counterfeit currency syndicate operating within Nairobi.
The operation led to the recovery of fake US dollar notes valued at approximately Sh87.4 million.Based on the information from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect, Felix Nyegesa was arrested after police officers intercepted a white Toyota Prado with registration number KDQ 401U in the Lucky Summer area.
The vehicle was under surveillance after intelligence reports suggested that it was being used to transport counterfeit currency.
After conducting a thorough research, officers discovered a metallic blue box hidden in the boot of the vehicle. Nyegesa reportedly refused to open the boot prompting further suspicion and he was subsequently escorted to the police station for further questioning.
Upon reaching the station, the box was forced open, revealing 68 bundles of counterfeit US dollar notes, with each bundle containing 100 fake bills with the total haul estimated at Sh87.4 million.
Police officers also recovered several items believed to have been used to disguise or transport the fake currency, including cartons, newspapers, cotton wool, sand and stones.
The suspect currently remains in police custody as the detectives intensify the investigations to establish the source of the counterfeit notes and identify other individuals who are linked to the network.
According to the authorities, the arrest could help in dismantling a broader syndicate involved in the circulation of fake currency across the Nairobi City.
The operation comes at a time when reports of counterfeit currency across Nairobi and also other parts of the country is on the rise. Earlier this year, detectives arrested two women in Upper Hill. The duo was found in possession of fake US dollar worth approximately Sh72 million.
Similarly, seven people in Ngara were detained with dozens of bundles of counterfeit notes. Similar crackdowns have also been conducted in Lang’ata and Kwale Counties.
The investigative agency has urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, assuring anonymity through its toll-free and WhatsApp reporting channels.
