Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) have arrested a man accused of mutilating Kenyan currency notes on social media.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the suspect was apprehended following investigations into the alleged misuse of banknotes.
“Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) detectives have arrested a man who was wanted for allegedly mutilating Kenyan currency notes and flaunting the acts on TikTok,” the DCI said.
The man is currently in custody and is being processed for arraignment in court.
Authorities say deliberately mutilating or destroying currency is illegal in Kenya under regulations governing the handling of banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Kenya.
The law prohibits actions that intentionally damage currency, including tearing, burning, or defacing banknotes.
Such acts render the notes unfit for circulation and may result in the loss of their value.
According to the Central Bank, currency is considered damaged or unfit when it is mutilated, torn or marked with ink.
These notes are typically withdrawn from circulation when they are returned to the Central Bank through deposits from commercial banks.
Members of the public who come across damaged notes can present them to commercial banks or Central Bank offices for possible replacement, provided certain conditions are met.
“Damaged currency may only be exchanged if it has not been deliberately mutilated, is genuine, is more than half of the original note and continuous, and bears at least one complete serial number,” the Central Bank stated.
Where banknotes are damaged accidentally or through normal wear and tear, the bank may replace them, however, notes that have been intentionally defaced or destroyed are not guaranteed replacement.
The arrest comes weeks after the Central Bank warned against the growing trend of using Kenyan banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes.
In February, the regulator cautioned that practices such as making cash flower bouquets and ornamental displays risk damaging currency and undermining the integrity of the Kenyan shilling.
“The Central Bank of Kenya has noted a growing trend in the use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements,” the bank said in a statement at the time.
“While CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes,” it added.
The regulator emphasised that currency must remain in good condition to circulate effectively and serve its intended role as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing as detectives prepare the suspect for arraignment in court.
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