Detectives have arrested two women in Nairobi after uncovering a massive cache of counterfeit US currency valued at approximately Ksh70 million. The two suspects were found in possession of fake $100 notes that had been carefully concealed, pointing to a well-coordinated operation targeting unsuspecting victims.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led raid in the Upper Hill area, where officers intercepted the suspects. A search of their belongings revealed numerous bundles of counterfeit notes hidden in a handbag. Upon counting the recovered money at the Nairobi Area Headquarters, the total amounted to USD 560,000, equivalent to around Ksh70 million.
The two women are currently in custody as investigations continue, with detectives working to establish the source of the counterfeit currency and the scale of the operation. They are expected to be arraigned in court once the necessary processing is complete.
This latest bust highlights the growing challenge posed by counterfeit money networks in Nairobi and beyond. The fake cash is often used to lure unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent business deals or money-doubling scams, leading to massive financial losses.
The case also comes in the wake of another significant raid earlier this month in Ngara, where seven individuals were arrested for similar offenses. During that operation, officers discovered thirty-six bundles of counterfeit notes, two plastic replicas resembling US currency, and black paper cut into the size of banknotes. The items were believed to be used in the production of fake money. The arrested group included both Kenyan and foreign nationals, underscoring the transnational nature of such criminal enterprises.
Authorities warn that counterfeit currency operations often involve sophisticated networks that extend beyond Kenya’s borders. These groups rely on unsuspecting victims, promising lucrative business opportunities or high returns in quick money schemes. However, the outcome usually leaves victims counting heavy losses while perpetrators attempt to circulate fake cash into the economy.
With the recent arrests, detectives have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling these networks and protecting the public from financial fraud. The two women arrested in Upper Hill will face charges in court, while investigations continue into possible links with the earlier Ngara case.
