Police in Nairobi have arrested a man suspected to be involved in a counterfeit currency operation, recovering a significant amount of fake US dollars in the process.
The arrest was carried out by detectives from Lucky Summer Police Station following an intelligence-led operation.
Officers intercepted a white Toyota Prado, registration number KDQ 401U, in the Lucky Summer area.
The vehicle was believed to be transporting counterfeit cash. The driver, 38-year-old Felix Nyegesa, was taken into custody as detectives carried out a search.
During the search, officers discovered a locked metallic blue box in the vehicle’s boot.
Nyegesa initially refused to open the box, prompting police to escort him to the station for further investigation.
At the police station, the contents of the box were revealed. Inside were sixty-eight bundles of counterfeit US dollar notes.
Also recovered were various packing materials, including cartons, newspapers, cotton wool, sand, and stones, which appeared to have been used to conceal the fake currency.
A police spokesperson stated that Nyegesa is currently undergoing processing and will be arraigned in due course.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the alleged counterfeit operation and whether others are involved.
Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance and intelligence in preventing the circulation of counterfeit currency, which can have significant economic implications.
Detectives have appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency to the nearest police station.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing financial crimes and protecting the integrity of the nation’s economy.