National Security conducted a major bust in February, dismantling a well-organized group of counterfeiters in Sapeiman, a neighborhood outside Accra. The crackdown exposed a complex operation that was churning out top-notch fake money, including Ghana cedis and US dollars.
The whole setup revolved around a seemingly innocuous little place where an older gentleman, known to the locals as the “Battery Doctor,” ran a service for charging car batteries. This service acted as a smart cover-up, keeping anyone from getting suspicious about the illegal stuff happening right under their noses. Right across the street was a lottery stand, which effectively worked as a human alarm bell, giving the brains of the operation a heads-up about any possible trouble coming their way.
Next to the battery-charging spot was a wide-open warehouse with an office and even a kitchen. This warehouse was packed with ten 40-foot containers, filled to the brim with fake money, bogus gold bars, cement, charcoal, and bags of water. It’s worth noting that two of these containers were evacuated just moments before the authorities moved in.
The fake dollar bills were so skillfully counterfeited that they could only be spotted as counterfeit under ultraviolet light. Mr. Richard Jakpa, the head of Special Projects at National Security, illustrated this by placing a counterfeit bill next to a real US dollar. Of particular note was the presence of special boxes exclusively used by the BOG to transport money at the site, prompting speculation that some Top Officials in the country could have been part of the scam
The suspects arrested included individuals from other West African countries, indicating a cross-border nature of the crime. Similar operations in East Legon and Dzorwulu led to the arrest of 13 individuals and the seizure of over $100 million in fake currencies.
The man believed to be the mastermind of the operation, he is “Alhaji,” remains a fugitive from the National Security forces. A bounty of 50,000 GHC is up for grabs for anyone who provides tips that result in his capture. Even though he’s trying hard to stay one step ahead, officials are sure they will have him in custody soon.
National Security reassured the public that all monies gathered so far is safe and sound, which is crucial for the investigation that’s currently underway. They’re determined to bolster surveillance efforts and make sure everyone involved faces the consequences. This whole operation underscores how tricky it is to keep our finances secure and just how important it is to stay alert to organized crime.
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Story by: David Gunshot
