A man suspected of belonging to a counterfeiting network was arrested on September 13, 2026 by the territorial brigade of the Gendarmerie of Ankadinondry Sakay. Counterfeit notes totaling 2.61 million ariary were seized. His alleged accomplice remains at large.

According to information gathered from the Gendarmerie, a private citizen raised the alarm around 10 a.m., reporting the presence of an individual attempting to distribute counterfeit notes at the market. Officers immediately responded and conducted an operation that led to the suspect's arrest.

Based on initial investigation findings, the perpetrators were asking merchants to exchange one 20,000 ariary note for two 10,000 ariary notes. They would hand over a counterfeit note and receive authentic money in return.

During the arrest, gendarmes discovered 130 counterfeit 20,000 ariary notes and one counterfeit 10,000 ariary note on the suspect, totaling 2,610,000 ariary. The man reportedly admitted to the charges against him.

His alleged accomplice managed to escape during the operation. Investigators say they know his identity and are continuing their search. The investigation also aims to identify other possible network members and determine the source of the counterfeit notes.