Ivorian national seized in Senegal with 164 counterfeit 5,000 FCFA notes

Police at the Yamatogne post in Ziguinchor, Senegal, arrested a 52‑year‑old Ivorian man identified as C. Lawson on suspicion of counterfeiting, money‑laundering and attempting to circulate fake currency. Following an operational intelligence lead, officers detained the suspect after he returned to the Dapokine bar, where he had previously handed a counterfeit 5,000 FCFA note to a sex worker. A search of his belongings uncovered one disputed note, and a subsequent search of his room seized 164 additional 5,000 FCFA notes, amounting to a face value of 820,000 FCFA. Lawson denied the accusations and offered no clear explanation for the source of the notes. He was placed in police custody pending further investigation into the alleged counterfeit operation.