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Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police has issued a stun warning against anyone who may be involved in either making or distributing counterfeit currencies, an offence punishable under article 601 of the penal code.
It states that "any person who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins, which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, bills issued by the State and bearing its stamp or emblem, banknotes, authorised notes or any other related effects used in Rwanda or abroad, or any person who introduces or issues on the Rwandan territory bills or notes which are legal tender with knowledge that they are counterfeit or altered, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of between five and seven years.
The warning comes in awake of the arrest of two people, Justine Nkeshimana and Sylvan Rukundo both resident of Nyarugenge District in Kigali city, who were on September 25, found in possession of 37 fake currency notes worth Rwf 74,000.
According to Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, Police spokesperson central, Police apprehended the suspects following a tip off from residents of Ruliba Sector, where they were picked.
"Some residents noticed that Nkeshimana had fake counterfeit bills and they alerted Police. When officers arrived and arrested her, she confessed having the fake bills but said she got them from Rukundo, who was also apprehended later," Supt. Mbabazi said.
“The law is clear. Rwandans shouldn't allow to be victims of such fraudsters and should always provide police with information on such individuals. "
"Counterfeits devalues the francs which directly affects the economy and the people are the victims."
He further advised the business community including shop attendants and mobile Money or Tigo Cash agents, the most targeted, to always be vigilant and verify the bills at all times to prevent falling prey.
Mbabazi, however thanked residents of Ruliba for their cooperation with the police saying that timely information is key in crime prevention.
