Fake-dollar factory busted in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a counterfeit dollar printing factory in Kiniso Village, Odigbo Local Government Area, arresting a suspect and recovering three bags of fake US dollar notes.

Operatives from the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters also recovered printing equipment allegedly used by the suspected counterfeiting syndicate.

The command said the raid followed a complaint by a currency dealer in Sabo, Okitipupa, who reported an alleged N8.6 million fraud involving the exchange of 6,000 genuine US dollars for counterfeit notes.

Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said the arrested suspect was providing information to investigators, while efforts were underway to apprehend other members of the suspected network who escaped.

“The suspect arrested has given useful information that is assisting the investigation. The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the investigation be intensified to apprehend all other fleeing members of this network,” Jimoh said.

The command said investigators were working to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the operation.

It warned members of the public against patronising unverified foreign exchange dealers and urged residents to report suspicious currency transactions to the nearest police station.

Police said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and protect residents from fraudulent foreign exchange transactions.