Zoundwéogo: Five individuals accused of counterfeiting, theft, and receiving stolen mopeds have been apprehended by the police in Manga, with assistance from the local security group “Kolgwéogo” of Kaïbo. The arrests follow a complaint from traders in Zoundwéogo province, leading to an investigation that uncovered counterfeit currency and stolen vehicles.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the operation was initiated after three traders in Kaïbo reported being victims of counterfeiting on October 5, 2024. The investigation led to the capture of suspects KZ, TM, TA, CA, and NJ, aged 19 to 29, who were operating primarily in Ouagadougou and areas within Zoundwéogo, including Manga and Kaïbo.
Police commissioner Abdoulaye Bagagnan stated that the initial arrest of a 14-year-old suspect, TM, who was later released, helped authorities apprehend KZ, TM, and TA. These individuals were found with counterfeit currency and five mopeds. Further interrogations led to the arrests of NJ and CA for receiving stolen
goods.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit currency totaling 3,607,500 CFA francs, 110,000 counterfeit euros, and 13,700 counterfeit dollars, along with five mopeds, three of which were reported stolen.
Commissioner Bagagnan detailed that the counterfeit banknotes were allegedly produced by an individual identified as CL two years prior, with KZ distributing them to other suspects. The theft of mopeds was predominantly carried out by TM, targeting areas in Ouagadougou and Manga.
Victims Zyad Kouanda and Joël Dipama expressed gratitude for the police’s efforts and the community’s cooperation in resolving the crimes. Joël Dipama highlighted the importance of collaboration between the population and security forces in combating crime.
Chief Commissioner of Police Parfait Kadeba commended the cooperation with local residents and security groups, urging continued partnership with the security forces and encouraging the public to report suspicious activities using the provided toll-free num
bers.
