Rwanda National Police

A woman in Burera District has been arrested with counterfeit money amounting to Rwf319, 000.

The suspect identified as Providence Murorunkwere, 44, was arrested with the fake money in Kabashotsi village, Nyamabuye cell in Kagogo sector.

Police said Murorunkwere was apprehended following information that she was dealing in counterfeit money.

“An informer reported that Murorunkwere together with other three men had counterfeit money, which they were in the process of sharing amongst themselves,” said Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Police spokesperson for the Northern region. 

“As Police officers trailed her, she hid the money in the neighbourhood, where she had scheduled to meet her three other accomplices. Following her arrest as she was escaping, Police took her to the house where all members of the same group were supposed to meet,” he added.

“The three men fled in the process after learning that their ringleader had been arrested, but Police managed to recover a bag containing counterfeit money in the same house, amounting to Rwf319, 000—75 notes in the denominations of Rwf5, 000 and two notes of Rwf2, 000.”

“Counterfeit currency can slowly hurt businesses and an economy of our country, if not dealt with at such an early stage. We appreciate the cooperation and responsiveness of the public in reporting such suspected criminals, and bringing them to justice. This should serve as a warning to anyone still involved in these financial crimes.”

Law enforcement organs, CIP Rugigana said, are working together to also locate and bring to justice all members of this same ring.

According to article 269 of Rwandan 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 offense.

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