NSS arrests 14 linked to about $90 million fake currency

The South Sudan National Security Service (NSS) on Thursday in the capital city, Juba arrested 14 suspects for being in possession of over 90 million dollars. 

The security operatives also recovered 400,000 South Sudanese Pounds, four vehicles, three rickshaws, and six motorcycles allegedly robbed at gunpoint from the owners. 

"The National Security Service announces the arrests of 14 criminals with fake 93 million dollars and 400,000 South Sudanese Pounds. The National Security Service and internal security bureau hereby inform the public that today (Nov 4th, 2021) the operation division has apprehended criminals in possession of various counterfeit monies and other illegal possessions," NSS spokesperson John David Kumuri told reporters at the National Security Division. "The arrest is ensured as a result of the first surveillance and counter operation that was launched by the operation division surveillance team." 

David said they seized 88 million fake dollars, powdered chemicals, and uniforms of organized forces in the country.

The officers say they had been tipped off by citizens before arresting the 12 South Sudanese, one Liberian, and one Guinea Bissau nationals.

One of the suspects, a Liberian national identified as Beka Nyeka confessed that he has been doing the business for about seven years in South Sudan.

"Because I need the money and I am suffering, I agree to wash fake dollars. I can not be hungry when I can wash the dollars or have chemicals to sell. I was arrested in 2014 and released. But now I am arrested," Nyeka said.

Nyeka, who came to South Sudan in 2010, denied knowledge of any criminal network in the country.

The NSS also announced that whoever has lost his or her property among those seized should report to the police station and identify them.

According to the South Sudan Penal Code Act Section (156), whoever counterfeits or knowingly performs any part of the process of counterfeiting any coin or note, commits an offence, and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years and may also be liable to a fine.