The Imo State Government has uncovered and dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal sale and distribution of fake revenue tickets at the state’s borders.
The operation was carried out by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, led by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, as part of efforts to curb revenue leakages and illegal toll collections from motorists, traders, and transport operators.
In a statement issued in Owerri, Nze Nwaneri said the suspects were caught during a coordinated operation targeting illegal revenue networks operating within and around Imo’s border communities.
He explained that the syndicate was found in possession of multiple forged documents, including fake vehicle and trade permits, haulage clearance papers, and certificates, all bearing the official insignias of various state governments.
“We discovered several unauthorized documents allegedly issued by different states. These criminals were extorting money from innocent citizens in the name of revenue collection,” Nwaneri said.
The suspects, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, have been arrested and handed over to the Imo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to Nwaneri, the operation is part of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration’s wider plan to sanitize the state’s revenue collection system and eliminate illegal actors who exploit public institutions for personal gain.
He warned that anyone found engaging in such fraudulent activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“No individual or group has the right to impersonate government agencies or issue fake tickets to extort money from transporters or business owners,” he said.
“Those still involved in these illegal acts should stop immediately, because the government is watching and will continue to uncover and dismantle these operations.”
Nwaneri urged citizens, especially traders and transport operators, to be vigilant and report any cases of unauthorised ticket issuance or extortion to the relevant authorities.
He also emphasized the state’s commitment to a transparent, lawful, and accountable revenue system, where genuine payments are properly documented and remitted.
“The administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma is determined to block all revenue leakages and ensure that every kobo generated by the state is used for the benefit of Imo people,” he added.
The recent crackdown comes amid growing concerns about revenue diversion and corruption within local markets, motor parks, and highways, where fake agents allegedly collect levies under false pretenses, often with intimidation and violence.
This move by the state government is expected to boost public confidence in Imo’s revenue system and improve internally generated revenue (IGR), especially at a time when states are seeking to strengthen their finances through better enforcement and accountability.
The Imo Police Command has assured the public that the suspects will face justice and that investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate.
