Togo police arrest three suspects in major counterfeiting operation

The Togolese National Gendarmerie has arrested three individuals in connection with a counterfeiting and fraud investigation in the Ségbé area of the Golfe prefecture. The operation, initiated following a complaint of fraud, led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Togolese driver on August 15, 2026, followed by the apprehension of two accomplices at an unfinished construction site.

During a search of the site, authorities seized a significant cache of counterfeit currency and materials used for falsification. The items included 88 counterfeit 5,000 CFA franc notes and 480 counterfeit 100 US dollar bills. Additionally, investigators recovered large quantities of prepared materials, including 5,650 pieces of black paper cut to the size of 100 US dollar bills and 17,200 pieces cut to the size of 5,000 CFA franc notes, along with aluminum foil and rubber materials.

Law enforcement officials stated that the seized items were likely intended for a fraudulent process to multiply or transform banknotes. The gendarmerie has urged the public to remain vigilant during financial transactions and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.