Ouagadougou: The specialized unit for the repression of economic and financial offenses as well as organized crime of the Ouaga 1 High Court (TGI) sentenced two gold miners prosecuted for counterfeiting to 18 months imprisonment, including 12 months of mandatory imprisonment, along with a fine of one million CFA francs with judicial constraint, AIB observed.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the two gold miners, both with prior convictions, appeared without lawyers before the Ouaga 1 High Court. They were being prosecuted for circulating counterfeit banknotes.

The case unfolded when OS was contacted by his boss, OM, to help distribute 15 counterfeit 5,000 CFA franc banknotes. These counterfeit notes were allegedly supplied by a marabout, whom OM described as specializing in counterfeiting.

Initially hesitant, OS confessed to visiting shops, observing busy times to make purchases with the counterfeit bills and collect change without raising suspicion.

OM, on the other hand, denied giving counterfeit bills to OS, claiming that the money he provided came from a legitimate land sale. However, he admitted to consulting the marabout for money multiplication.

During the trial, judges questioned the defendants' belief in the marabout's ability to produce legitimate currency, which influenced their judgment.

The prosecution argued that counterfeiting is confirmed once counterfeit banknotes are knowingly circulated, referencing Article 371 of the penal code. They sought a three-year sentence with 18 months served and a fine of one million CFA francs.

Ultimately, the court sentenced both defendants to 18 months' imprisonment, with 12 months to be served, and imposed a fine of one million CFA francs, enforceable by judicial order.