DCI Arrests Maximilian Motara for Tearing Kenyan Currency Notes and Posting the Videos Online

Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU), under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), arrested Maximilian Motara on March 10, 2026. 

Motara was apprehended for allegedly mutilating Kenyan currency notes—specifically KSh 100 and KSh 200 banknotes—and sharing videos of the act on social media platforms like TikTok. 

Willfully defacing, tearing, cutting, or otherwise mutilating currency notes.

Under Section 367A of the Penal Code and the Central Bank of Kenya Act, it is a criminal offense to damage legal tender.

As of March 10, 2026, he is in custody being processed for arraignment in court.

Offenders convicted under these charges can face up to three months of imprisonment, a fine of up to KES 2,000, or both. 

Authorities have used this case to remind the public that currency notes are the property of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and that individuals only “own” the monetary value, not the physical notes themselves.

By Anthony Solly