Authorities have arrested seven individuals in Nairobi after uncovering a large stash of counterfeit US currency during a targeted police operation. The suspects, who include nationals from Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were apprehended in Ngara following an intelligence-led crackdown.
The operation, executed by officers from the Central Police Station, focused on a building in Ngara believed to be housing illegal currency production activities. Upon searching the premises, officers discovered thirty-six bundles of fake US dollar notes, carefully packaged to resemble genuine currency. Alongside the counterfeit bills, investigators recovered two plastic replicas mimicking US banknotes, sheets of black paper cut to currency size, and other materials suspected to be used in the printing and assembly of the fake money.
The seven suspects were immediately taken into custody and are undergoing processing while awaiting their court appearance. According to police sources, the raid was part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal networks involved in financial crimes, particularly those dealing with high-value counterfeit foreign currency.
This bust follows a similar incident in Mombasa just weeks earlier, where officers recovered a significant cache of foreign currency and narcotics. In that case, police intercepted a vehicle along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, seizing several bags containing cannabis and approximately five million Tanzanian shillings. The driver was taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations into drug and money smuggling rings operating between Kenya and its neighboring countries.
Authorities believe the two incidents may be connected through broader regional networks engaged in illegal trade, including counterfeit currency production, drug trafficking, and cross-border money laundering. They have pledged to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering to dismantle these syndicates.
Counterfeit currency crimes pose significant economic risks, undermining the value of legitimate money and threatening financial stability. Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious money transactions or individuals handling unusually large amounts of foreign cash.
The arrested individuals are expected to face multiple charges, including possession and production of counterfeit currency and conspiracy to commit financial fraud. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on organized crime, warning that those involved in such illegal activities will be pursued relentlessly.
