Rwanda National Police

Two men suspected of counterfeiting currencies were arrested on Wednesday in Musanze District.

The suspects identified as Jean Baptiste Maniriho, 29, and Frederick Sindayigaya, 33; were intercepted in Byangabo trading center in Musanze en route from Rubavu District.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region said that the duo was caught red-handed with equipment and raw materials they were using to counterfeit money.

“Information about Maniriho and Sindayigaya’s criminal activities was reported by one of the would-be victims, to whom they wanted to sell fake currency notes,” said CIP Rugigana.

“The two suspects tried to manipulate the would-be victim to believe that they can make genuine money, but which can only be circulated within six months. They counterfeited four notes to try to win him to circulate the fake money, but he did the right thing to desist and report the criminal acts,” he explained.

“At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of counterfeit currencies; Rwf4, 000, US$1, 300 and 50 Euros.” CIP Rugigana called upon the general public to report people engaged in such financial crimes.

Under article 269 of the Penal Code, any person, who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or banknotes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.