By Andrew Mbuva
A suspected counterfeit currency syndicate has been dismantled in Makueni County after police recovered fake banknotes with a face value of KSh 4.378 million in a swift intelligence-led operation.
The operation, carried out by officers from Mtito Andei Police Station, first targeted Kambu Township, where two suspects were arrested after allegedly being found in possession of KSh 4 million in counterfeit KSh 1,000 notes.
The suspects were identified as 57-year-old Sophia Adhiambo and 59-year-old Michael Gitau.
Police later widened their investigations to Mtito Andei Township in a bid to dismantle the wider network behind the suspected counterfeit currency racket.
During the operation, officers intercepted a HOWO truck, registration number KDX 614H/ZH 8450, which was transporting fertilizer from Mombasa to Naivasha.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an additional KSh 378,000 in suspected counterfeit KSh 1,000 notes that had allegedly been concealed inside the truck.
The latest seizure brought the total value of the suspected counterfeit currency recovered during the operation to KSh 4.378 million.
Two men who were aboard the truck, identified as 52-year-old Robert Tonde and 42-year-old Stephen Musila, were arrested.
The four suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue ahead of their arraignment in court.
The recovered counterfeit notes have been secured at Mtito Andei Police Station as exhibits.
Detectives have since intensified investigations and are following the money trail to establish the source of the suspected counterfeit currency, its intended destination and whether more people are involved in the alleged criminal network.
