Four Arrested as Police Seize Sh4.3 Million in Counterfeit Notes in Makueni

Police in Makueni County have disrupted a suspected counterfeit currency network after recovering fake banknotes worth Sh4.378 million during an intelligence-led operation.

The crackdown was conducted by officers from Mtito Andei Police Station, who first descended on Kambu Township following information about the circulation of counterfeit money.

During the operation, officers arrested two suspects, identified as 57-year-old Sophia Adhiambo and 59-year-old Michael Gitau. The pair were allegedly found in possession of counterfeit Sh1,000 notes with a total face value of Sh4 million.

Investigators then expanded the operation to Mtito Andei Township in an effort to identify other individuals connected to the suspected network.

There, police intercepted a HOWO truck bearing registration numbers KDX 614H/ZH 8450. The vehicle was reportedly transporting fertilizer from Mombasa to Naivasha.

A search of the truck led to the discovery of an additional Sh378,000 in fake Sh1,000 notes that had allegedly been concealed inside the vehicle.

The discovery brought the total value of counterfeit currency recovered during the operation to Sh4.378 million.

Two men travelling aboard the truck, identified as 52-year-old Robert Tonde and 42-year-old Stephen Musila, were arrested at the scene.

“The operation was intelligence-led and targeted a suspected network involved in the distribution of counterfeit currency,” police said.

All four suspects are being held at Mtito Andei Police Station as officers complete processing ahead of their arraignment in court.

The recovered counterfeit notes have also been secured as exhibits to support the ongoing investigations.

Detectives are now pursuing additional leads to establish the origin of the fake currency, its intended destination and whether more individuals are involved in the suspected syndicate.

“Investigations remain ongoing as detectives follow the money trail to uncover the wider network behind the counterfeit currency,” police said.

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