NAIROBI, Kenya- A covert operation by detectives in Diani has led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of a well-organized counterfeiting syndicate operating along Kenya’s coast.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects — Fadhili Lawrence, Atemba Lawrence, and Electrine Okwako — were tracked down after investigators followed forensic intelligence linking them to the circulation of fake currency in Mombasa, Kwale and surrounding areas.
Detectives raided a hideout in Diani where the suspected ring was reportedly operating from. Inside the premises, officers recovered Sh1.7 million in counterfeit Sh1,000 notes, neatly packed in a laptop bag.
The bundle was tied with a white ribbon printed “CBK 1000,” a detail investigators say was deliberately designed to give the fake notes an appearance of legitimacy.
TRIO NABBED WITH KES 1.7M FAKE CASH IN DIANI A covert police operation in Diani has led to the arrest of three suspects involved in a counterfeiting ring that has been flooding Mombasa and nearby areas with fake cash. The suspects, Fadhili Lawrence, Atemba Lawrence, and
DCI officers believe the trio are part of a wider network that has been pushing counterfeit money into local markets, with unsuspecting traders being the primary victims.
“Preliminary findings show the suspects play a central role in the distribution of fake currency along the coastal region,” an investigator involved in the operation said.
The three suspects are in custody as detectives finalize their files ahead of arraignment. Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for additional members of the syndicate who are still on the run.
The DCI has urged members of the public to remain vigilant, especially traders who deal with high-value cash transactions, and to report any suspicious notes or activities to the nearest police station.
