Four suspects have been arrested after detectives dismantled an alleged counterfeit currency syndicate in Mtito Andei, Makueni County, recovering fake banknotes with a face value of KSh4.378 million.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation was conducted by officers from Mtito Andei Police Station following intelligence that led detectives to suspected dealers in counterfeit currency.
The first operation was carried out in Kambu Township, where officers arrested two suspects identified as 57-year-old Sophia Adhiambo and 59-year-old Michael Gitau.
The two were allegedly found in possession of KSh4 million in counterfeit Sh1,000 notes.
Detectives subsequently extended the operation to Mtito Andei Township, where they intercepted a HOWO truck, registration number KDX 614H/ZH 8450, which was transporting fertilizer from Mombasa to Naivasha.
A search of the truck led to the discovery of an additional KSh378,000 in counterfeit Sh1,000 notes, which had allegedly been concealed inside the vehicle.
Two men aboard the truck, 52-year-old Robert Tonde and 42-year-old Stephen Musila, were arrested during the operation.
The recovery brought the total value of counterfeit currency seized by detectives to KSh4.378 million.
The four suspects are being held in police custody as officers complete processing ahead of their arraignment in court. The recovered counterfeit notes have been secured at Mtito Andei Police Station as investigations continue.