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Kinyarwanda
In separate operations across the country on October 1, Rwanda National Police (RNP) rounded up four men suspected to be part of gangs that make and distribute counterfeit money into the Rwandan economy.
The suspects are identified as Jean de Dieu Hakizimana of Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District, Nyandwi Jean Bosco and Tuyizere Samuel of Kimisagara Sector in Nyarugenge District and Nyandwi Pascal of Masaka Sector in Kicukiro District.
Hakizimana was arrested while trying to deposit counterfeits worth Rwf167, 000 on his mobile money account, while Nyandwi was caught trying to shop with fake notes worth Rwf12, 000.
The other two suspects were also found with a total of Rwf56, 000 in fake currency, as they attempted to exploit mobile money agents.
Police Spokesperson for Central Region, SP Modeste Mbabazi, revealed that such criminals usually target mobile money agents, forex bureaus and shops to benefit from this illegal activity.
He called upon residents to be wide alert and work with police to overcome the crime.
“The use and manufacture of fake currency is not a big problem in Rwanda but however less it is, it is not acceptable and can't be allowed in Rwanda," he said.
“Such crimes are curbed through collaboration and partnership with police – and we commend all residents who provid information that facilitate the investigations that lead to the arrest of these suspects. Let us continue to work together through community Policing and protect our country from any threat of crime.”
He also called upon the business community to put in place gadgets, such as electronic money counters and other machines that detect the quality of currency.
Police regularly conducts operations against counterfeit currency – with one major operation conducted in July this year, when 15 suspects in connection with making and circulating fake money worth over Rwf19.6 million were apprehended.
