Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two women in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area after they were found in possession of a massive stash of counterfeit United States dollars. The arrest has sparked fresh concerns about the growing menace of fake currency syndicates operating in Kenya’s capital.
According to a statement from the DCI Nairobi regional office, the operation was launched following credible intelligence that linked the suspects to a sophisticated fake money racket. Acting swiftly, detectives intercepted the women identified as Ifrah Ali Jeyte and Qamar Salat Abdi, before conducting a thorough search of their belongings.
The search yielded shocking results. Inside one of the handbags, officers discovered bundles of notes, each in the $100 denomination. The women had attempted to conceal the cash, but upon closer inspection, it was confirmed to be counterfeit. The recovered stash was immediately transferred to DCI Nairobi Area Headquarters for proper counting and verification.
Detectives later revealed that the fake dollars totaled a staggering USD 560,000, an amount equivalent to nearly Ksh 70 million. The sheer volume of the counterfeit cash suggests the suspects may have been part of a larger organized crime network targeting unsuspecting victims in Nairobi and beyond.
The two suspects are currently being held in custody as detectives finalize investigations ahead of their arraignment in court. The DCI has assured the public that it remains vigilant in dismantling criminal syndicates that threaten Kenya’s economy and financial security.
In its appeal, the investigative agency urged Kenyans to remain alert and report any suspicious activities involving counterfeit money or fraud. Citizens are encouraged to use the toll-free line 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp via 0709 570 000 to share information anonymously.
This latest bust highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement in curbing financial crimes and protecting Kenyans from falling victim to counterfeit cash schemes.
