By Synthia Lateu

The National Gendarmerie has dismantled a counterfeit currency network in Douala, leading to the seizure of fake 10,000 FCFA banknotes worth 400,000 FCFA and a large stock of counterfeit 500-franc coins allegedly intended for circulation across Cameroon.
The operation, carried out in the Akwa neighbourhood, resulted in the arrest of several suspects, including the alleged mastermind identified as a Chinese national.
According to Captain Pierre Ndounda, Commander of the Douala I Gendarmerie Company, the operation was launched following the arrest of other members of the network. Information obtained during their interrogation led investigators to the suspected manufacturer.
“The operation first enabled us to arrest other distributors of the counterfeit currency in Akwa. Through their collaboration, we conducted another operation that led to the arrest of the main suspect, Mr. Wang Jiali, of Chinese origin,” he said.
Following the arrest, security forces carried out a search of the suspect’s residence where they discovered counterfeit 10,000 FCFA banknotes amounting to 400,000 FCFA, as well as large quantities of fake 500-franc coins.
Investigators also recovered equipment allegedly used in the production process, including objects bearing CEMAC markings. A subsequent search at a separate site believed to be the manufacturing facility uncovered machinery used to produce the counterfeit coins.
Authorities say the counterfeit coins closely resemble genuine currency, making them difficult to detect at first glance.
The Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri, Sylac Marie Mvogo, praised the collaboration between residents and security forces, noting that population cooperation played a key role in dismantling the network. He warned that counterfeit currency poses a significant threat to the national economy and called on citizens to remain vigilant.
“Our local markets are already being flooded with counterfeit money, and you can imagine the consequences for the national economy. These coins look very similar to genuine currency, but there are slight differences, particularly in their weight,” Mvogo added.
The authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to combat counterfeiting networks and protect the integrity of Cameroon’s financial system. Investigations are continuing to identify possible accomplices and determine the full extent of the operation.