The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has successfully dismantled a significant foreign currency counterfeiting syndicate operating in both Accra and the commercial hub of Tema.
In a concise update shared on social media on December 15, the OSP reported the seizure of a substantial sum totaling US$40 million.
The operation, conducted under the category ‘Prevention of Corruption’ with the subheading ‘Disruption of Foreign Currency Manufacturing Network,’ marked a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to combat financial malfeasance.
“OSP has disrupted a syndicate involved in the production of a substantial amount of counterfeited foreign currency. Seizures were made in two warehouses located in Accra and Tema, where a substantial amount of counterfeited forty million dollars ($40,000,000.00) was discovered concealed in steel trunks.”
Other corruption prevention cases the OSP is involved in were also part of the post that had the caption: “Since August 2021, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (#OSP) has been actively engaged in a range of activities as part of its comprehensive fourfold mandate, which includes investigations, prosecution, asset recovery and management, and the prevention of corruption.”
This marks the inaugural public disclosure of the operation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
According to information reported by the state-run Daily Graphic, the operation was characterized by a high level of classification and meticulous coordination.
Regrettably, suspicions have arisen regarding a potential tip-off to the currency operators, hastening their escape as they were caught off guard and had limited time to hastily vacate the premises, leaving behind crucial evidence.
The incident underscores the challenges faced in maintaining operational secrecy and highlights the need for enhanced security measures in future endeavours.