Rwanda National Police

Bamuteze Levis, 36, resident of Kimironko sector in Gasabo District was arrested on Saturday after he was found with fake money amounting to Rwf66, 000 , all in 2, 000 denominations.

He is currently held at Remera Police Station.

It all started when Bamuteze paid a phone technician after repairing his handset, but the latter realized the notes were fake.

Investigations are also still going on to see if there are other people working with Bamuteze in this illegal act, the District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Tom Murangira, said.

He warned the public that involving themselves in such counterfeit activities won’t take long before they are apprehended because the “community now know real money and what’s fake."

He appealed to the business community and the entire public to always verify currency notes thoroughly before any transaction, to avoid falling prey of such people.

“I am urging the public to beware and report immediately any suspected incidents related to counterfeit or even any other crimes such that these criminals can be arrested,” he added.

Counterfeit is treacherous to the economy and also affects family and personal income, he observed.

Article 604 of the Rwandan penal code which states that using or circulating, by any means, items misrepresented as money or negotiable instruments shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of two to five years and a fine of two to ten times the value of the counterfeit money.