NAIROBI, Kenya – Detectives from DCI Nairobi have arrested two women of Somali origin found with a stash of counterfeit United States currency.
Both Ifrah Ali Jeyte and Qamar Salat Abdi were arrested in an operation in the Upper Hill area, acting on intelligence and without resistance.
A search of their handbag uncovered neatly stacked bundles of $100 notes. Authorities suspected the bills were fake due to irregular texture.
Preliminary counting at DCI headquarters confirmed the seizure of $560,000 in counterfeit currency, equivalent to nearly Ksh 70 million.
In a statement, investigators said the recovered notes were high-quality fakes, likely intended for laundering or use within criminal financial networks.
DCI officials said the origin of the counterfeit currency remains under investigation, with possible links to transnational crime syndicates.
Both suspects are in custody as detectives prepare the case for arraignment expected later this week.
Attempts to reach the Somali Embassy in Nairobi for comment were unsuccessful. Somali authorities have yet to issue any official statement on the arrests.
Kenya hosts Somali refugees, some now citizens, who are active in business, finance and trade across Nairobi and the region.
