Malawi: 4 Arrested over Banknote Bouquets

Four people have been arrested in Malawi after allegedly wrapping floral bouquets in banknotes.

According to a joint statement by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) and the Fiscal Police, the suspects wrapped the bouquets in used 2 000-kwacha notes to sell during the Valentine’s Day period.

Per section 54, subsection 2C of the RBM Act, 2018, damaging and unlawful use of currency carries a jail sentence of an indeterminate length, or a five-million-kwacha fine.

After photos of the cash-wrapped blooms went viral on social media, investigators from the RBM and the Fiscal Police apprehended the suspects – who have pleaded their innocence – in the cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre between 12 and 15 February.

The arrests have since caused a mixed debate on social media, with one user arguing that the banknotes did not appear to be damaged: “The money is well covered and arranged, the folding is no more than would happen in a pouch.”

Another user remarked: “At this rate, one day we will get arrested for folding notes in our wallet! I am so sure police have better use for police resources.”

Image Credit: Source