Rwanda National Police

Police in Huye District seized counterfeit currencies amounting to Euros 24, 800 and arrested six people in connection with the criminal act.

According to the Southern Province Police spokesperson, CSP Hubert Gashagaza, police heard information that there was fake money in circulation and mounted investigations that led to the arrest of six people.

“Among the suspects we have in custody include the headmaster of ES Rukira, Cassien Muganwa, who was arrested in possession of fake Euro bills worth 24,800. Investigations are still going on to identify if there is more counterfeits in circulation or if there are more people connected to the case,” said CSP Gashagaza.

Meanwhile, by the time the suspects were apprehended they had already traded counterfeit bills worth Euro 9900 to a businessman identified as Dieudonne Ntaganzwa, in exchange of Rwf3 million.

According to Gashagaza the suspects were arrested in Tumba sector of Huye District and are currently being held at Huye Police station.

“Counterfeits have an effect on the economy of the country and we urge the public to always report such cases since counterfeit money also affects their incomes,” he said.

The arrest of the six men comes a few days after Rwanda National Police (RNP) also apprehended two men in Kirehe identified as Egide Ndagijimana and Solomon Nzigira. The two were allegedly found with fake notes worth US$400, at the time of his arrest.

Earlier, Police in Burera District had also arrested Innocent Ndayambaje with 38 counterfeit notes of Rwf5,000 denomination. The suspect was arrested as he attempted to buy tea from a restaurant using fake currency.

He also warned those involved in either counterfeiting or circulating fake currency notes, that police is on the watch and that “no one will walk away with it.”

“There are strategies in place to curb this crime before it escalates; there’s a unit charged with fighting such crimes, working with financial institutions, but also awareness programmes.”

According to 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 more than 5 years to 7 years.