Richard Jakpa, the Director in charge of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, has announced that a manhunt is still ongoing for the alleged leader of a sophisticated counterfeiting syndicate that was uncovered in Sapeiman, a suburb of Accra, in February. During an exclusive tour of the crime scene with journalists, Mr. Jakpa stated that the evidence collected from the site is overwhelming and has been left undisturbed to maintain its integrity while investigations continue.
The bust, which stunned many within the security establishment, led to the discovery of ten 40-foot containers filled with counterfeit Ghana cedi and US dollar notes. Operatives believe that two of the containers were hastily moved out just before the operation commenced. In a shocking twist, security personnel also uncovered several official Bank of Ghana (BoG) money boxes at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that the boxes in question are not replicas but genuine property of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). This revelation raises further concerns about how they came into the hands of the counterfeit syndicate. One of the most surprising findings was an adjacent unfinished building that appeared modest yet served as the main front for the illegal operation. At the entrance, an elderly man known locally as the “Battery Doctor” operated a vehicle battery-charging service, a clever disguise intended to divert suspicion.
A walkthrough of the interior revealed stacks of counterfeit notes in multiple currencies and denominations. Investigators also found a collection of fake gold bars, many of which were already peeling to reveal silver-colored metal beneath. Mr. Jakpa confirmed that the operation was run by a highly organized criminal network. He stated that the group’s suspected mastermind, identified only as “Alhaji,” remains at large.
However, he assured journalists that National Security operatives are actively tracking his movements. “We have solid evidence connecting Alhaji to the crime scene and to the broader network of illegal activities,” Mr. Jakpa said. “We are confident that it is only a matter of time before he is apprehended.”
The discovery of the counterfeit ring has sparked renewed concerns about financial security and the infiltration of national symbols by criminal elements. National Security has pledged to bring all those involved to justice and to strengthen surveillance systems.
Source: Citi Newsroom
