Seven Arrested Over Fake Notes in Lira

Seven youths in Lira city are in police custody for producing and circulating counterfeit currency. The suspects were rounded up from Independent Guest House, Ober Entebbe Cell in Lira City West Division.

They are Eric Ocen, Alex Okello, Yassin Onencan, Christopher Ocen, Stephen Opiyo, Francis Anywar, and Nixon Ocen. They were arrested during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted on August 9th, 2022 following public complaints about the increased circulation of counterfeit currency within the Lira and Lango sub-region as a whole.

Police found the suspects in possession of bottles of liquid products that they are believed to have been using to print the counterfeit notes and fake 5,000 and 50,000 Shillings counterfeit currency notes worth Shillings 14.1m.

Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Police Spokesperson confirmed the arrest of the suspects, saying that have since provided information about their colleagues in Soroti and Gulu Cities. Okema says police have commenced investigations in the three cities to arrest the remaining suspects.

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Lawrence Egole, the Lira Resident City Commissioner, says that his office has been receiving complaints about fake currency in circulation and security has been tracking down those involved in the vice. He said investigations are still on going to establish the source of the materials being used to produce the counterfeit currency and those behind it.

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Egole has asked those involved in the criminal activity to report themselves to police or desist from the crime and cautioned the public to remain vigilant on new notes.

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In July this year, a suspect was arrested with close to Shillings 600,000 in fake Ugandan currencies. He is currently on remand. He was also in possession of the gold ink and papers allegedly used for making money.