Counterfeit dollar syndicate busted as police reject GH¢200,000 bribe

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

A counterfeit cash syndicate operating within the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, whose activities had been under strict surveillance by the Ghana Police Service through the Koforidua Municipal Investigative Team, led by ASP Augustine Asante Kusi, has been arrested by Odumase-Krobo Police.

Following intelligence shared with the Odumase-Krobo Police, led by D/Cpl Williams Asante embarked on a swift undercover operation, the arrest was made on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects: Ebenezer Natsu (20), George Attor (48), and Bishop Robert Olertey (54).

The suspects were found in possession of 105 bundles of counterfeit US dollars in $100 denominations to the tune of $1,050,000.

The fake currency was concealed in a black and red-spotted metal trunk at their hideout at Laasi, a suburb of Odumase-Krobo.

According to police sources, the suspects were allegedly preparing to distribute the counterfeit notes on the market in exchange for Ghana cedis, taking advantage of the Odumase-Krobo market day.

Police sources further disclosed that one of the suspects, Bishop Robert Olertey, allegedly offered GH¢200,000 in genuine cash in an attempt to settle the case and avoid arrest.

However, the officers rejected the offer and proceeded with the arrest of the suspects, who were subsequently transported with the exhibits to the Odumase-Krobo District Police Command for further investigation.

The suspects and the exhibits have since been handed over to the Akosombo Police Division under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Doris Grant for further investigation and necessary action.

On Friday, March 13, 2026, the suspect Ebenezer Natsu (20) was arraigned before the Odumase Circuit court to be remanded into custody to assist police with ongoing investigations, whereas the other two suspects were granted police enquiry bail.