In a joint operation, Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) collaborated with a Joint Task Force, involving teams from the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, successfully apprehended 115 suspected currency racketeers in Enugu State.
The arrests took place during a well-executed sting operation along Owerri Road, Ogui, Enugu State, following credible intelligence about illegal foreign exchange activities involving bureau de change operators, currency speculators, and street hawkers in the area. The suspects, comprising 113 males and 2 females, were taken into custody.
Items recovered from them include: N110, 700,000.00 ( One Hundred and Ten Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira only), $8,368.00( Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Eight United States Dollars), £145.00( One Hundred and Forty Five Pounds), €2,725( Two Thousand, Seven Hundred Twenty Five Euros), 900 South African Rands, 32,000.00 CFA, 100 Turkiya, and 500 Bank Mozambique currencies in different denominations.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the arrested individuals are foreigners from Niger Republic.
The EFCC and the Joint Task Force are expected to conduct further investigations to unravel the extent of the currency racketeering network and prosecute those involved in the illegal activities.
