A suspect in a counterfeit money operation was apprehended in N'Dali following a high-speed chase, after a significant haul of 84 counterfeit 10,000 FCFA notes were removed from circulation. The unfolding case originated on Friday, July 10, 2026, within the locality of Ouénou, a specific area situated in the N’Dali commune. The initial discovery of these fake notes, which represent a substantial threat to the local economy, immediately prompted the initiation of a full investigation by local law enforcement authorities. The swift action taken by officials shows the seriousness with which such financial crimes are being treated.
Chase and Seizure Details
The incident began to escalate during the pursuit of the suspect. As law enforcement officers closed in, the individual, attempting to evade capture and dispose of incriminating evidence, initially discarded a large quantity of fraudulent currency. This initial recovery of counterfeit money amounted to 81 counterfeit 10,000 FCFA notes, which were found strewn along the chase route. This significant haul of fraudulent currency, totaling 810,000 FCFA in face value, was immediately secured by the pursuing officers.
Following their prompt seizure, these 81 counterfeit notes were subsequently transferred to the Tchikandou border police station. This transfer was a critical step in the investigative process, allowing for further examination and processing of the evidence. The careful handling of the seized notes at the border police station is key for documenting the crime and building a strong case against the perpetrator. The initial recovery noted the scale of the counterfeiting operation.
Apprehension and Investigation Leads
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was eventually located and apprehended thanks to a collaborative and coordinated effort. This successful apprehension involved both police and military forces who are stationed in the nearby town of Nikki. Their combined intelligence and strategic deployment proved instrumental in bringing the pursuit to a successful conclusion and taking the individual into custody.
Following the apprehension, the individual provided information that directed investigators toward an alleged counterfeiting network. This network, according to the suspect's statement, was reportedly led by a woman based in the locality of Bembèrèkè. Acting on this key lead, authorities swiftly extended their investigation to Bembèrèkè with the objective of verifying these claims and dismantling the alleged criminal organization. However, subsequent inquiries and thorough searches conducted in Bembèrèkè did not yield confirmation of either the woman's existence or the alleged network. Despite this setback, the investigation into the true origin and scope of the counterfeit currency operation continues actively, with authorities determined to uncover all involved parties.
Legal Proceedings and Total Seizure
The full extent of the counterfeit money operation became clearer upon further examination. In total, 84 counterfeit 10,000 FCFA notes have been successfully removed from circulation, representing a total face value of 840,000 FCFA. This final count includes the notes discarded during the chase and additional discoveries.
During a routine body search conducted by officers immediately following the suspect's apprehension, three additional counterfeit 10,000 FCFA notes were discovered on the individual's person. This discovery brought the total number of seized notes to 84. The individual was subsequently presented to the public prosecutor near the first instance court of Parakou on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Following this formal presentation and initial legal proceedings, the suspect was detained in prison, where they are currently awaiting trial for the serious charges related to the counterfeit currency. The legal proceedings are now fully underway in connection with the fraudulent notes found in N'Dali, with authorities committed to prosecuting the case to its full extent and sending a clear message against financial fraud.
