Fake Currency Fraud Suspects Arrested After Nearly Two Years on Police Wanted List

Two Men Arrested Over Fake Money Scheme Targeting Online Sellers

A months-long police hunt for a suspected fake-currency fraud syndicate operating in Harare has ended with the arrest of two men.

Police believe the pair carried out dozens of scams targeting online sellers across the capital.

The suspects, Agrippa Chivhenge and Edious Rungano, were taken into custody by armed Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives on Wednesday night.

Also Read: How to Identify and Prevent Fake Money Transfer Scams in Zimbabwe

Arrest Made at Rented Marlborough Home

Police arrested the duo while they were sleeping at their rented residence in Marlborough.

Investigators said the two had been on the police wanted list for nearly two years in connection with multiple fraud-related cases.

Victims Flock to Police Station

Following the arrests, scores of victims have been making their way to Braeside Police Station to identify the suspects. Police say the men face dozens of fraud charges, with more cases still being recorded as investigations continue.

Chicken Scam Exposed Syndicate

The alleged fraud syndicate first came to public attention in October when the suspects reportedly duped a farmer out of 250 chickens. The men allegedly used a bundle of obsolete Zimbabwe dollar notes, hidden beneath a single US$1 note, to falsely represent a payment of US$1,500.

More Than 100 Victims Come Forward

Since then, more than 100 victims have come forward, many of whom were selling goods through social media platforms. The suspects are accused of swindling victims out of mobile phones, laptops, chickens, and other electronic items using the same fake-currency tactic.