Arua, Uganda: Police in Arua City have detained six Congolese nationals for allegedly attempting to circulate counterfeit US Dollars valued at $300,000 (approximately UGX 1.06 billion).
The suspects were intercepted on Friday while trying to exchange the money, packed in three bundles, into Ugandan shillings at Upper Bibia Cell, Pangisha Ward, Arua Central Division.
Richard Amvuku, officer in charge of operations at Arua CPS, said the arrests followed a tip-off from vigilant community members. “Acting on this information, a trap was set. During the operation, six (06) suspects were arrested, and suspected counterfeit dollar notes amounting to 300,000 US, sealed in bundles of $100,000, were recovered.”
West Nile Police Spokesperson Anguyo Jimmy warned the public and business community against transacting foreign currency in unlicensed locations, cautioning that such dealings expose them to fraudsters.
The suspects, identified as Joseph Manikeleza, Asiha Mumbere, Aquinza Dudu Mitira, Sadraq Kabutala, Jean Pierre Hassan, and Musa Muhammad, aged between 25 and 50, claimed to be Congolese refugees but had no documentation at the time of arrest.
Additionally, during the search, 12 rolled sticks of marijuana were found. The six Congolese nationals remain in custody pending investigations and are expected to face charges of dealing in counterfeit currency and defrauding the public.
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