By Tapeng Michael Ohure
The National Security Service of South Sudan has arrested 14 people in possession of $93 million and 400,000 South Sudanese pounds, all in counterfeit notes.
Four cars, six motorcycles and three rickshaws (tuktuk) robbed in and around the capital Juba were also recovered from the suspects, John David Kumuri the Spokesperson and Public Relations Officer for National Security Division told reporters in Juba on Thursday.
Another $88 million in black notes was also recovers from the men, Kumuri said.
Among those arrested are two foreigners.
One of them, a Liberian by nationality, Beka Nyeka confessed that he has been dealing in fake money in South Sudan for the last seven years.
“Because I need the money and I am suffering, I agree to wash fake dollars for. I cannot be hungry when I can wash the dollars or have chemicals to sell,” Nyeka told reporters.
“I was arrested in 2014 and released. But now I am arrested.”
According to Kumuri, the suspects were arrested after a tip off from the public.
The other foreigner is a national of guinea while the 12 are South Sudanese.
Kumuri urged people who have lost the cars and motorcycles to robbers to go and identify if they are among those in custody.
Based on South Sudan penal code Act Section (153), counterfeiting coins or notes of instruments or materials for purpose of using the same for counterfeiting coins or notes are national security crimes and both are punishable by imprisonment terms not exceeding 7 years and may also be liable to be fired.
