OPERATIVES of the Ondo State Police Command have uncovered a suspected counterfeit currency printing operation in Kiniso Village, near Ajue in Odigbo Local Council of the state.
One suspect, named Peter Desmond, was arrested in the operation, which also led to the recovery of three bags of suspected counterfeit United States (US) dollar notes and other materials believed to be connected to the illegal activity.
In an official statement in Akure on Tuesday, November 3, the Command’s spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh (DSP), while confirming the arrest, explained that on October 28, one Yusuf Nasiru of Sabo in Okitipupa, reported to the Police that two men, identified as Peter Desmond and Olami Toro, both residents of Ode-Irele, had approached him at his shop on October 25, requesting to exchange US dollars for their naira equivalent.
Jimoh said Nasiru told the Police he handed over the sum of $6,000, valued at approximately ₦8,600,000 to the suspects.
However, while waiting to receive the naira equivalent, the suspects allegedly returned the dollars to him, claiming they did not have sufficient funds to complete the transaction, and subsequently left.
He said Nasiru later discovered, upon closer examination, that the dollar notes returned to him were counterfeit, prompting him to report the incident to the Police.
Upon receipt of the complaint, Jimoh said operatives from Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters immediately commenced discreet investigative activities.
He explained that through intelligence gathering and technical tracking, the operatives traced Desmond to Kiniso Village.
The Police spokesman disclosed that on October 29, the operatives raided Diamond’s hideout believed to be used for the production and printing of the counterfeit dollar notes intended to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
Jimoh said apart from Diamond, other occupants of the premises reportedly escaped through the perimeter fence.
A search, he added, led to the recovery of three bags containing suspected counterfeit US dollar notes and a small wooden box, all of which were taken into Police custody as exhibits.
Jimoh said Diamond has been assisting the Police with useful information in further investigation into the case.
