Fake Money: Four Arrested in Kapiri and Choma
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on financial crimes, leading to the arrest of four suspects linked to counterfeit currency operations in Central and Southern Provinces.
According to DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere, two suspects, Patrick Mwansa aged 28 and Bertha Sinaipa aged 18, were apprehended in Kapiri Mposhi after attempting to deposit counterfeit notes amounting to K15,940.
Investigations led officers to a rented shop in Kawama Compound, where equipment believed to have been used in producing fake currency, including a computer and printer, was seized. A counterfeit Bank of Zambia identity card was also recovered and is believed to have been used to defraud members of the public.
In a related incident on 11 April 2026, a suspect identified as Conticious Baldwin Kapopwe aged 30 was apprehended by members of the public at Kalukungu Market in Choma after attempting to deposit K5,000 in counterfeit notes.
A further K3,600 in fake K200 notes, all bearing identical serial numbers, was discovered on him, bringing the total to K8,600.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Kennedy Popota aged 59 at Makalanguzu Market on 13 April 2026. Authorities recovered K1,150 in counterfeit notes, some matching serial numbers found in earlier seizures.
In total, K9,750 in counterfeit currency has been seized in connection with the Choma case.
All four suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Ms Mawere urged members of the public to remain vigilant and carefully examine banknotes during transactions.
She further warned that the Commission will continue pursuing individuals involved in financial crimes.
Ms Mawere said the long arm of the law will catch up with those engaging in unlawful financial practices and encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to authorities.
