Rwanda National Police

Residents of Mpanga Sector in Kirehe District, on December 21, apprehended and handed to Police a man, who attempted to defraud a telecom banking agent with fake currency notes.

The suspect currently detained at Mpanga Police station, allegedly tried to deposit Rwf25, 000, all fake, on his Mobile Money account. 

"The Mobile Money agent noticed that the bills were fake, and informed residents, who apprehended the suspect before fleeing the scene, and handed him over to Police in Mpanga along with the exhibits," Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Eastern region Police spokesperson, said.

He commended the vigilance of the would-be victim and the quick response of the residents to ensure that the suspect doesn't escape justice. 

"The community policing culture of neighbourhood watch and quick response when a neighbour encounters such a problem narrows escape routes for wrongdoers," CIP Kanamugire said. 

Article 269 of the new penal code states that, any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes 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 offence. 

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