Kano police arrest 17 suspected forex hawkers for illegal operation of Bureau de Change

The Kano State Police Command has arrested 17 suspected forex hawkers for illegal operation of Bureau de Change. 

Spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, said the suspects were arrested following a raid carried out with combined personnel of the Department of Security Service (DSS) in Fagge Local Government Area of the state. 

According to the PPRO, the essence of the operation is to flush out elements that operate illegally in order to stabilise the foreign exchange market in the country. 

“On 7th May 2024, the Kano Police Command had conducted yet another raid at locations where FOREX Transactions were being carried out in the State. The operation which was led by the Police Command was carried out in Wappa Bureau De Change, Fagge LGA, Kano with combined personnel of the Department of Security Service (DSS),’ the statement read. 

“At the end of the operation, a total of Twenty-nine (29) people were arrested out of which twelve (12) were screened out for lack of evidence while Seventeen (17) were arrested with the following exhibits recovered; (1) Sum of Sixty-eight Thousand (68,000) CFA, and (2) Thirty (30) Rupees (Indian Currency). 

“Further Investigation revealed that the Seventeen (17) suspects were operating under one Association of unlicensed Bureau De Change and they will be charged to Court for prosecution.

“The essence of the operation is to flush out elements that operates illegally in order to stabilise the foreign exchange market in the Country. The arrest excludes genuine Bureau de Change operators who carry on their legitimate businesses in their offices.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc reiteratively commends the combined operatives of the Nigeria Force and the Department of State Service (DSS) for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the success of the operation that sends the message that illegal financial activities will not be tolerated, and those engaging in such practices will be facing the full wrath of the law.

“The CP also advises all individuals and business operators within the financial sector to operate within the confines of the law and obtain the necessary licenses and always avoid unwholesome practices.

“The Commissioner of Police while appreciating the good people of the State for their support, cooperation and understanding, also urged everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement of person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest Police Station or through the following Kano State Police Command emergency contact numbers:- 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”