The National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) caught a Catholic priest of Brazilian nationality in possession of 8,000 meticais in counterfeit 1,000 meticais notes from the new family, when he wanted to pay for groceries at a supermarket in the city of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado province.

The priest was arrested thanks to a tip-off from the owners of the store, who called SERNIC after becoming suspicious of the authenticity of the banknotes.

The accused, who has lived in Mozambique for more than six years, assumes possession of the counterfeit notes, but claims to have been the victim of fraud.

"Unfortunately I was caught with those notes. I was a layman and didn't realize it... I've never had the experience of picking up counterfeit notes. It was unfortunate on my part," he said, quoted by Success TV.