Police in Kenya on Tuesday arrested six people in connection with some fake $20 million banknotes deposited at a Barclays Bank branch in the capital Nairobi.
The banknotes were stored in a personal safety deposit box at the bank, according to the criminal investigations department of the police.
Two of those arrested were staff of the bank where the banknotes were found. Barclays Kenya is part of South Africa’s Absa Group.
In a statement the police said “Six people were arrested today evening by … detectives in connection with fake currency amounting to slightly over $20 million (at Barclays Kenya) Queensway Branch.”
The fake currency
“The fake notes in $100 denominations were recovered from the bank’s safe room.
The customer had concealed fake currency in his personal safe deposit box against the bank’s rules and regulations which include restrictions of items which can be held in the safe deposit box,” the statement further said.
6 People were arrested today evening by @DCI_Kenya Detectives in connection with Fake currency amounting to slightly over 20Million US Dollars @Barclays_Kenya~Queensway Branch. The fake notes in 100 Dollar denominations were recovered from the Bank’s Safe Room|@Barclays_Kenya pic.twitter.com/nxIYOW7icE
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) March 19, 2019
Daily Nation reports that the man at the centre of fake money syndicate is Eric Adede, a Nairobi-based businessman-cum-politician.
Police officials are reported to have said that Adede owned the safe deposit box in which the fake banknotes were stashed.
But also believe he may be acting on behalf of some powerful individuals in government.
The six suspects are:-
Dr. Erick Adede-Owner of the Box
Mr. Ahmed Shah- Fake Investor
Ms. Elizabeth Muthoni
Ms. Irene Wairimu Kimani
Mr. Boaz Ochich – Bank official
Mr. Charles Manzi-Bank official
Also held for statement recording is a witness who would have been conned. pic.twitter.com/IK0Zw00wes
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) March 19, 2019
Finding solutions
Kenya’s lawmakers have been pushing for implementation of changes to banking laws to relax the rigorous requirements for recording transactions above $10,000.
Source: Africafeeds.com
