This archive report was first published on 10 September 2021.
Published on September 10, 2021, a recent expose revealed the shocking extent of WASH WASH, a notorious currency counterfeiting scheme in Kenya.
According to lawyer Eric Ng'eno, WASH WASH is a 'very simple fraud' where a scammer convinces victims to invest in a 'special liquid chemical' to 'wash' or develop raw paper into recognizable bills.
The scammer claims the chemical is expensive, but promises a substantial share of the cleaned money in exchange for the investment. As security, the scammer pledges the entire money-printing apparatus to the victim's possession.
However, as the victim becomes impatient, the scammer demands more money due to new circumstances, ultimately ghosting or abusing the victim. The victim is then turned in to the police, who often work in cahoots with the WASH WASH fellows.
The police use the incriminating evidence against the victim, staging a fight and demanding more money. The scammer and the police then meet in the evening to laugh over drinks at nice lounges, leaving the victim humiliated and ashamed.
WASH WASH is a police hobby, with the scammer often being a licensed gun holder. The scheme is a stark reminder of the corruption and complicity between law enforcement and organized crime in Kenya.
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