Officers of the Ghana Police Service have arrested three suspects linked to a counterfeit money syndicate after rejecting a GH¢200,000 bribe allegedly offered to stop the investigation.
The operation was carried out by the Koforidua Municipal Investigative Team, led by Augustine Asante Kusi, following intelligence that a group was preparing to circulate fake foreign currency in parts of the Greater Accra Region and the Eastern Region.
Suspects arrested with fake US dollars
The three suspects—Ebenezer Natsu (20), George Attor (48), and Bishop Robert Olertey (54)—were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from the Odumase-Krobo Police.
During a search of their hideout at Laasi, police discovered 105 bundles of counterfeit US dollar notes, all in $100 denominations, with a face value of $1,050,000.
Investigators said the fake currency was hidden inside a black metal trunk with red spots, which the suspects had allegedly used to store and transport the notes.
Plot to circulate fake money on market day
Police sources revealed that the suspects were allegedly planning to release the counterfeit dollars into circulation by exchanging them for Ghana cedis during the busy Odumase-Krobo market day, when trading activity is typically high.
The arrests were made on March 11, 2026, after an undercover operation based on intelligence received by officers led by Williams Asante.
Bribe attempt rejected by officers
During the operation, one of the suspects—Bishop Robert Olertey—reportedly attempted to offer officers GH¢200,000 in genuine cash in an effort to settle the case and avoid arrest.
However, the police officers rejected the alleged bribe and proceeded to arrest all three suspects.
The suspects and the seized counterfeit notes were initially taken to the Odumase-Krobo District Police Command for processing before the case was transferred to the Akosombo Police Division, headed by Doris Grant, for further investigation.
Court proceedings begin
Police confirmed that Ebenezer Natsu was later arraigned before the Odumase Circuit Court on March 13, 2026, where he was remanded into custody to assist with ongoing investigations.
The other two suspects were granted police enquiry bail while investigations continue into the activities of the suspected counterfeit currency network.
Authorities say further investigations are underway to determine whether additional members of the syndicate are operating in other parts of Ghana.
Source: Africa Publicity
