Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has continued its operations against smuggling and fraud in different parts of the country.

In the latest operation conducted on Monday, April 25, Police in Kirehe District arrested a man, who was allegedly smuggling five bales of second-hand clothes commonly known as Caguwa.

Viateur Musabyimana, 42, was apprehended in Rwakalinda Village, Ruhanga Cell in Kigina Sector in possession of the bales after sneaking them into Rwanda from Tanzania.

The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamduni Twizeyimana, said that Musabyimana was reported by a resident in Rwakalinda village.

?Police received credible information from a resident in Rwakalinda village that Musabyimana had brought bales of second hand clothes to his home and were to be sold in Nyakarambi market the next day. Police swiftly conducted an operation, searched the suspect?s home and recovered five bales of second hand stored in one of the rooms of his house. Musabyimana was arrested at his home,? said SP Twizeyimana.

SP Twizeyimana commended the impact of the public in fighting lawlessness, including smugglers.

The suspect and smuggled goods were handed over to RIB at Kirehe station for further investigation.

In article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, smuggled goods are auctioned.

Tax fraud

A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is also subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax and a likely imprisonment of between six months and two years.