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Kinyarwanda
Two people have been arrested in the Eastern Province in connection with counterfeiting and distributing currencies.
Papias Sebakwiye, 28, and Odette Kansanga 35, were apprehended separately in Nyagatare and Kayonza districts, respectively, on September 5 after they were found in possession of Rwf136, 000, all fake.
Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said: Sebakwiye was apprehended in Nyagatare Sector after a Tigo Cash agent, who was a target, called Police.”
Sebakwiye was trying to deposit fake notes amounting to Rwf96, 000, on his Tigo Cash account.
Kansanga, on the other, was arrested in Bwiza, Mukarange Sector as he tried to buy goods using fake money.
He was found with fake money valued at Rwf40, 000, at the time of his arrest.
IP Kayigi warned against counterfeiting and distributing money, an act he said is punishable by the law and hurts the economy.
“Counterfeit money is a rare crime in the region, but I urge the business community to take precautionary measures and check money given to them, thoroughly to avoid falling prey, and always call Police whenever they see such people vending fake money,” he said.
Under article 601 of the penal code, 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.
