Director in charge of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, has disclosed that a manhunt is still underway for the alleged kingpin behind a sophisticated counterfeiting syndicate busted in Sapeiman, a suburb of Accra, in February.
During an exclusive tour of the crime scene with journalists, Mr. Jakpa revealed that the evidence retrieved from the site, described as overwhelming, has been left untouched to preserve its integrity as 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 since verified that these boxes are not replicas but genuine BoG property, raising further questions about how they ended up in the possession of the counterfeit syndicate.
One of the most eye-opening discoveries was an adjoining uncompleted building, deceptively modest in appearance, which served as the primary front for the illicit operation.
At its entrance, an elderly man locally known as the “Battery Doctor” ran a vehicle battery-charging service, a calculated ruse designed to deflect 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.
—Citi Newsroom
