Two young men were arrested yesterday by the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) at the Junta transport terminal in Maputo city, in possession of two hundred thousand rand hidden in coconut sacks and intended for illegal exchange.

According to the spokesperson for the PRM in Maputo city, Marta Pereira, the individuals were caught when they were on their way to the Central Market, a place used for illegal currency exchange.

"The amount, corresponding to more than seven hundred thousand meticais, was found wrapped in bags. The young people claim that they use these routes to avoid paying the fees set by the Bank of Mozambique (BM)," he said.

When questioned about the origin of the money and the means of transportation used, the accused reported that they had been contacted to receive a package from Inhambane province.

"We went to the place indicated to pick up the parcel and, as always, we used the same means, and this is not the first time that we have moved sums of this nature without the knowledge of the Bank of Mozambique," they said.

The spokeswoman stressed that this type of practice puts the national economy at risk, as exchange operations carried out outside legal channels avoid paying the fees set by the WB and are not officially registered.

"The case will now be referred to court, where those involved will answer for their actions and the legal implications of money laundering. The police will continue their investigations with the aim of ascertaining the origin of the money," he concluded. (Newspaper News)