Two suspects have been arrested after a multi-agency security team intercepted a vehicle transporting counterfeit currency with a face value of KSh6 million along the Thika-Garissa Highway.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects, John Safari Mbiti and Erick Njuguna Wambui, were travelling in a black Toyota Vitz (registration KCY 374M) from Thika towards Kithimani when officers stationed at the Kanyonyoo roadblock stopped the vehicle for a routine inspection.
A thorough search of the car led to the discovery of a white carrier bag containing four tightly wrapped bundles concealed beneath layers of khaki paper, aluminium foil and clear tape.
Upon opening the packages, officers recovered counterfeit KSh1,000 notes packed into four bundles with a combined face value of KSh6 million.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fake currency was destined for Wamunyu in Kitui County, where it was allegedly to be handed over to an accomplice for further processing to make the notes resemble genuine Kenyan currency before being circulated.
The two suspects were arrested and taken to Kanyonyoo Police Station, where they were booked alongside the recovered counterfeit notes. They remain in custody pending arraignment.
The DCI warned that counterfeit currency poses a significant threat to the economy by eroding public confidence in financial transactions and exposing unsuspecting members of the public to financial losses.
The agency said it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in currency counterfeiting and other economic crimes across the country.
