This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
On Thursday, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) launched an operation at Midea Apartment in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, resulting in the arrest of three suspects on suspicion of money laundering.
The suspects, 54-year-old Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan, 34-year-old Dorcas Ntoya, and Arum Bob Busimbi (26 years), are currently in police custody, awaiting arraignment.
According to the DCI, the suspects are believed to be part of a syndicate behind the rising cases of money laundering, commonly known as 'wash wash.'
During the operation, detectives recovered a range of items, including fake local and international currency, a machine believed to be used in developing the fake notes, and a Honda Fit owned by one of the suspects.
Some of the items recovered include three copies of a fake letter from the Central Bank of Kenya, notifying receipt of Sh10 billion, two copies of United Nation invoices, a forged anti-money laundering clearance certificate, and a packet of white powder labeled 'Best Quality Laundry Starch.'
The caretaker of the apartment where the three were found is also in custody, for 'vehemently obstructing the detectives from conducting the operation within the facility.'
The arrests come in the wake of an expose by controversial blogger Edgar Obare, who claimed there are individuals who engage in 'wash wash.'
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai had earlier dispatched a team of detectives to deal with the rising cases of money laundering in Nairobi County.
Speaking during his #EngagetheIG forum, Mutyambai said the Serious Crimes Protection Unit (SCPU) from the DCI has begun hunting the suspects, adding that some have been arrested and arraigned.
