The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed details of its successful operation that busted a fake money syndicate in Lagos and Kaduna, arresting 15 suspects and recovering millions of naira in counterfeit currency.
According to anti-graft agency, the syndicate had been in operations for months, producing and distributing fake naira notes in different denominations. The suspects were caught with a total sum of N2.1 million in fake currency, as well as a large quantity of fake $100 bills.
The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Command led the operation, with support from the Kaduna Zonal Command. The agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrests and recoveries, saying that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
According to the EFCC, “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arrested thirteen fake bureau de change operators in Lagos. They were arrested for operating BDC without an appropriate licence. Also, a sum of N2.1m in fake currency was recovered from a suspected currency racketeer, Kafayat Lateef, at the point of arrest. She is currently being held at the EFCC’s custody and will be charged to court soon.”
It further disclosed “Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC have arrested two suspects, Abdullahi Yahaya and Ibrahim Haruna, for suspected involvement in currency counterfeiting. Upon arrest, a total sum of $81,700 (Eighty-one Thousand, Seven Hundred Dollars), all in fake $100 denomination, was found in their possession. Haruna, upon interrogation claimed that the counterfeit dollars were delivered to him some months back for safe-keeping by one Babangida said to be at large.”
Oyewole added that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. “This is a promise of justice for the victims of these financial crimes and a warning to others who may be engaged in similar activities” he added