Local authorities in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, over the weekend said that security operatives had apprehended three people in possession of counterfeit US dollars.
Kiir Yor Lual, the Aweil East County commissioner told Radio Tamazuj Friday that the counterfeit USD 3,100 was seized by security personnel after a tip-off from market traders. He said more suspects are still being pursued.
“We arrested three suspects with counterfeit US dollars after we learned that someone was exchanging US dollars for goods in the market,” Commissioner Yor explained. “So, our security agencies went and arrested him and he led us to the other two suspects and we detained them and investigations are ongoing. We seized USD 3,100 and we are suspecting that there may be more fake currency circulating.”
He warned citizens to be vigilant about fake currency in the market.
The Aweil East County police inspector, Col. John Garang Akook, said they implemented a search order when they got wind of the fake currency. He said the trio apprehended last Thursday was operating in the Warawar border market and Wanyjok locations.
“After we got the information, a search order was issued and the suspected house was raided and we found counterfeit USD 3,100 and the legal procedures are ongoing,” Col. Garang said.
He added: “The accused were dodging the investigators over the source of the money but they are now saying that the person who gave them fake currency has fled to Amiet in Abyei Administrative Area. We are hunting for that person currently.”
The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State police spokesman, Capt. Guot Guot Akol, praised the Aweil East police for their role in combating the crime at an early stage and said the main suspect escaped to Abyei with a huge amount of fake money.
“Yes, a citizen came with a complaint that someone exchanged fake money and police detectives in Aweil East have arrested the three accused,” said Guot. “During the investigations, they claimed that the ring leader went to Amiet with a lot of fake monies, another team of dealers in fake currency fled to Warrap State.”