A months-long police investigation into a suspected fake-currency fraud syndicate operating in Harare has led to the arrest of two men believed to be behind dozens of scams targeting online sellers.
Police identified the suspects as Agrippa Chivhenge and Edious Rungano, who were arrested late Wednesday night by armed Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives. Authorities said the pair had been on the police wanted list for nearly two years in connection with multiple fraud-related cases.
According to local reports, the arrests were made at the suspects’ rented residence in Marlborough, where they were found sleeping at the time. Investigators allege the duo carried out repeated scams across the capital, preying on individuals selling goods through social media platforms.
Following the arrests, a growing number of victims have been visiting Braeside Police Station to identify the suspects. Police say dozens of fraud charges are expected, with additional cases still being recorded as investigations continue.
The alleged syndicate first gained public attention in October after a farmer was reportedly defrauded of 250 chickens. The suspects are accused of using obsolete Zimbabwe dollar notes concealed beneath a single US$1 bill to falsely present a payment worth US$1,500.
Since then, more than 100 victims have come forward, reporting losses that include mobile phones, laptops, poultry, and other electronic goods. Investigators believe the suspects used the same fake-currency tactic in each case.
Chivhenge and Rungano are expected to appear in court on Friday as police continue probing the full scale of the alleged fraud operation.
