Niger: Counterfeit banknotes, the theft of 5,5 million CFA francs, and fraud: three cases dismantled in Zinder

Two criminal networks and a suspected fraudster have been dismantled in Zinder, Niger. In a series of operations, the Interregional Service of the Judicial Police (SIRPJ) arrested several suspects involved in the circulation of counterfeit currency, the hacking of electronic accounts, and telephone scams.

The first case involves a couple from Kano, Nigeria, who specialized in smuggling and circulating counterfeit currency. To evade detection, the suspects concealed the banknotes under the clothing of their approximately five-year-old daughter. They targeted pharmacies and small shops, where they made small purchases with counterfeit 10,000 CFA franc notes to obtain genuine currency. The search resulted in the seizure of 330,000 CFA francs and 6,100 naira in counterfeit banknotes, as well as 100 US dollars and several pieces of evidence. The girl was placed in the care of child protective services.

The second network is accused of hacking into the electronic account of an employee of a money transfer company to steal 5,5 million CFA francs. The two suspects, both 24 years old and working for another company in the same sector, allegedly used a fraudulent link to access their colleague's account. The funds were then transferred through an account in Nigeria before being distributed to several accounts in Niger. Police recovered 5,4 million CFA francs and seized three mobile phones.

The third arrest concerns a former member of the defense forces who was dismissed and is suspected of fraud and identity theft. Posing as an army officer, he promised candidates he would facilitate their recruitment into the military in exchange for money intended, according to him, for the purchase of uniforms and shoes. He would arrange to meet them at specific locations for a supposed departure to a training center, before disappearing.

The individual also allegedly defrauded other victims by posing as a genie capable of bestowing wealth upon them. He pressured them into sending him money in exchange for supposed rituals, then resorted to threats of misfortune to obtain further payments. He admits to having collected up to one million CFA francs in a single transaction. A fake professional ID card from the Nigerien Ministry of Public Service was found in his possession.

Through these operations, the Zinder Regional Judicial Police Service (SIRPJ) is urging the public to be extra vigilant against telephone scams, suspicious links, and false promises of recruitment. It also encourages them to report any suspicious behavior to the appropriate authorities.

Djamila Kambou