Sniffer dogs deployed at Barclays Bank after fake cash was busted

Mumbi Mutuko

March 21, 2019 5:27 PM

Sniffer dogs at Barclays Bank

Sniffer dogs to be used to detect items in Safe deposit boxes at Barclays Bank

After the DCI raised Barclays Bank, Queensway branch and discovered Ksh2 billion worth of fake currency stored in a safe deposit box, the institution has acquired the services of sniffer dogs.

The bank is said to have decided to use the sniffer dogs to ascertain and assure members of the public that the bank is safe and there was no cause for alarm over what is stored by their clients.

Police officers keep guard outside Barclays Bank of Kenya Queensway Branch in Nairobi in ongoing fake cash investigation Pulse Live Kenya

At the moment the bank said it will not be taking any new safe deposit boxes as it was working with clients to review existing boxes.

Extra precautionary measures

CEO, Jeremey Awori stated: “We recognise that the incident involving our safe deposit boxes has raised concerns for customers and the public and I would like to personally assure you that this matter is being taken extremely seriously at the highest levels of the organisation.”

He further stated that the bank is taking the extra precautionary measures in response to the emergence of new financial crime risks associated with the use of the service.

Sniffer dogs are highly trained and they can be used to detect substances such as drugs, currency, blood, explosives and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Barclays Bank Queensway branch, where DCI is probing fake currency bust Pulse Live Kenya

Cooperating with sleuths

Commenting on the ongoing probe, Mr Awori said that the bank was cooperating with authorities and they even handed in a second safe deposit box linked to the key suspect.

“We continue to cooperate and assist the investigating authorities including proactively reporting and handing over a second safe deposit box owned by the customer under investigation,” the Barclays Bank CEO stated.

Mumbi Mutuko