Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) investigations into economic crimes has led to the arrest of a man in the Kigali city suburb of Nyamirambo, in Nyarugenge District believed to be part of the ring that makes and distributes fake currencies.

 Abubakar Juma was apprehended on April 15 in Kivugiza Cell, where Police also recovered counterfeits dollars amounting to US$1200 and equipment he was allegedly using to manufacture of fake bill notes.

 Juma currently detained at Nyamirambo Police Station as further investigations commence.

 Nyarugenge District Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Edward Kayitare, said that the suspect was arrested after investigations that were aided by credible information provided by citizens through Community Policing.

 "The suspect apparently manipulated scanners and printers to make counterfeit money, and it appears there are other people he works with in this criminal business," SSP Kayitare said.

 "There are other people who have been arrested in the recent past in connection with similar criminal offences and we call upon the public to continue cooperating with Police in order to uproot this criminal activity," he said.

 SSP Kayitare said that Police are continuing with investigations into currency counterfeit and other economic crimes, especially in busy towns that are targeted by such criminals.

 He added that although the challenge is not alarming in Rwanda, the public and the business community should be watchful at all times.

 "We want shop owners, financial institutions and other businesses to continue being vigilant and contact the police as soon as they suspect any suspicious behavior, or if think they have been handed one of these counterfeit notes," he noted.

 When counterfeits penetrate an economy at a high rate, they damage legitimate businesses and also harm the country's economic growth, according to experts.

 "The magnitude and effects of counterfeiting is of such significance that it compels strong and sustained action and partnership between Police, business and consumers. Police will continue to effectively investigate such economic crimes and also promote public support to combat counterfeiting," SSP Kayitare added.

 Articles 601 to 602 of the Rwandan penal code criminalize and punish those who falsify or alter coins and bills which are legal tender.

 The articles also punish those, who knowingly circulate fake money and those who acquires fake currencies unknowingly, but circulate them after discovering they are counterfeit.