A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation led by the Durban Metro Police Service Tactical Support Unit (TSU) has intercepted a major counterfeit currency operation based in an upmarket Umhlanga Ridge residential flat.
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Following an intelligence-driven tip-off about suspicious activity at the luxury residence, officers executed a targeted search warrant with the Port Shepstone Hawks and Counter Narcotics KZN. The raid resulted in the seizure of approximately R1.6 million in counterfeit cash and the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect.
Uncovering the “Black Dollar” fraud scheme
Upon entry, authorities allegedly uncovered evidence indicating the high-end apartment was being used to coordinate a notorious “Black Dollar” scam, an advance-fee fraud operation in which victims are tricked into believing stacks of chemically treated paper can be converted into valid banknote currency.
Beyond the fake banknotes, specialised units located safes on the property. Officers recovered an iPhone 16 along with two passports featuring expired visas. Further search of the premises also revealed that the flat was allegedly functioning as an illegal brothel.
The Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) attended the scene to process evidence, lifting fingerprints and collecting DNA samples from the seized safes to assist broader law enforcement investigations.
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DURBAN METRO POLICE SEIZE R1.6 MILLION IN COUNTERFEIT CASH
Durban Metro Police have arrested a Ugandan national after seizing counterfeit cash estimated at R1.6 million during a raid at an upmarket flat in Umhlanga Ridge on Friday, 9 October 2026.
The operation involved the Tactical Support Unit, Hawks and Counter Narcotics KZN following intelligence about suspicious activity.
The flat was allegedly being used as a brothel, while the suspect was also allegedly linked to a “Black Dollar” counterfeit money scheme.
Police seized the counterfeit cash, an iPhone 16, a safe and two passports with expired visas.
Fingerprint and DNA evidence was collected from safes at the scene.
The suspect faces charges including counterfeiting, contravention of the South African Reserve Bank Act, keeping a brothel and illegal immigration.
He is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 12 October.
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 10, 2026
Multiple charges and ongoing investigations
The suspect was taken into custody and detained at the Durban North Police Station. He faces a range of severe charges, including:
- Counterfeiting of currency and fraud: Unlawful reproduction and distribution of fake banknotes.
- Contravention of the South African Reserve Bank Act: Direct violation of statutory monetary regulations.
- Keeping a brothel: Running an illegal establishment on residential premises.
- Illegal immigration: Residing within the borders of South Africa on expired documentation.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that investigations into additional criminal networks linked to the flat remain ongoing. The suspect is scheduled to make his first appearance in the Durban Magistrates’ Court to face formal charges.
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