The Imo State Government has dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of unauthorized revenue tickets from various states at border areas across the state.

The successful operation was conducted by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal revenue collection and protect legitimate businesses and motorists from exploitation.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, revealed that the suspects were caught with fake documents, trade permits, and certificates purportedly issued by different state governments and agencies.

Items recovered from the suspects included vehicle and trade permits, haulage clearance papers, and membership certificates bearing insignias of several states, suggesting a well-organized network of fraudsters operating at border points.

The arrested individuals are currently in police custody at the Imo State Command, where investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their activities and possible collaborators.

Nze Nwaneri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in revenue collection, warning those engaged in similar fraudulent practices to desist or face severe consequences.

“No individual or group has the right to exploit government institutions for personal gain. Anyone found sabotaging the system will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.

He further urged citizens, traders, and transporters to report any suspicious issuance of tickets or cases of extortion to relevant authorities, stressing that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration remains determined to build a lawful and efficient revenue system in the state.