ELDORET, Kenya – Police in Eldoret have recovered a large quantity of suspected fake US dollar notes from two safe boxes found inside a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, in a dramatic operation that has raised concerns over counterfeit currency in circulation.
Investigators said the two boxes contained Sh2,615,000 in Kenyan currency and what was reported as US$259 million in dollar-denominated notes, all suspected to be fake.
The two safe boxes were opened on Monday at Sugunanga Police Station after investigators obtained a court order authorising the exercise, police said.
Vehicle seizure and arrests
The vehicle had earlier been seized on August 10 in connection with an ongoing investigation after it was flagged down on the road. Police said two occupants on board managed to escape while one was arrested later.
It is not clear where the suspects were taking the cash.
The car was moved to the local police station pending investigations. It was then that a team comprising officers from the National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and officials from the State Department of Public Works and Urban Development conducted the exercise.
Court order and verification
The Eldoret Law Courts had on August 12 issued an order in a Miscellaneous Criminal Application authorising the Uasin Gishu County Public Works officer to facilitate the opening of the safe boxes and establish their contents.
The scene was processed and documented by Uasin Gishu Crime Scene Investigators.
However, the authenticity of the suspected US currency had not been established by Tuesday. Police said the notes would be taken to the Central Bank of Kenya for verification.
Suspect to be arraigned
One suspect was arrested in connection with the case. Police said he would be arraigned before the Eldoret Law Courts once investigations are completed.
Further details are expected after the Central Bank completes verification of the recovered currency.
Counterfeit currency concerns
Preliminary investigations had shown the currency was fake. A team was pursuing more information on the currency to know where it originated.
This came as officials warned money handlers to be cautious of such currency in circulation. The officials said they fear there could be more such fake currency in circulation, hence the need to be cautious.
Such money is usually flooded in the market ahead of elections.
Cases of fake currencies have been on the increase amid police operations to tame those behind the trend. Dozens of suspects behind the manufacture of the fake papers have been arrested and charged in court. The cases are in various stages. Some of the suspects involved are in the fake gold business.
