Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyanza District, on Friday, February 26, impounded a vehicle transporting assorted smuggled goods.

The Congolese registered vehicle plate number 9792AB22 was intercepted in Busasamana Sector with 465 pieces of local fabrics called kitenge, 25 rolls of electric cables and a box of wines.

The Police spokesperson for the Southern region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said two people, who were aboard the vehicle, were also arrested.

They include the driver identified as Daniel Ukwigize, 44, and one Milliam Ndayiragije, 28, the suspected owner of the smuggled goods.

"Police officers, who were in their normal duties, stopped the vehicle for the routine checks and recovered the smuggled goods stashed under car seats," SP Kanamugire said.

He added that the goods were smuggled into Rwanda from Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Rusizi. Both suspects hail from Rusizi District.

Ndayiragije, the owner of the smuggled goods, said that they were at the time headed to Ngororero District to supply traders who had placed orders.

All seized goods and the vehicles were handed over to the Rwanda National Police Anti-Smuggling Unit

Tax fraud

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

In case a vehicle was used in fraud and smuggling, it is also impounded, auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.

A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax. With exception to that penalty, the Tax Administration refers the case to the Prosecution service if the taxpayer voluntarily evaded such tax, like through the use of false accounts, falsified documents or any other act punishable by law. In case of conviction, the taxpayer can be imprisoned for a period between six (6) months and two (2) years.”