Rwanda National Police

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) has arrested three people in Rutsiro District, who were attempting to smuggle five bales of used clothes commonly known as Caguwa, into Rwanda.

The trio identified as Innocent Nsengiyumva, 35, Patrick Niyitegeka, 35, and Eric Iradukunda, 19, was arrested on Friday, July 2, at about 4am.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said the smugglers were at the time coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Lake Kivu to Bugarura Island.

"RPU had prior information that Nsengiyumva, Niyitegeka and Iradukunda would be sneaking bales of clothes into Rwanda that night by lake and that their first destination is Bugarura Island located in Rugamba Village, Kabihogo Cell in Boneza Sector. RPU officers, who were deployed at the island arrested the trio on arrival with five bales of clothes." CIP Karekezi said

Following their arrest, the suspects disclosed that they were delivering the bales to one only identified as Haruna operating in Mahoko Sector, Rubavu District.

CIP Karekezi said that the search for the one Haruna, the alleged rightful owner of the goods, is still underway. He warned against smuggling as well as illegal cross-border which can fuel further spread of Covid-19.

He further thanked residents, who shared information leading to the arrest of the smugglers adding that the community policing spirit is crucial in fighting fraud and other illegal cross-border businesses.

Those arrested were handed over to RIB at Boneza station for further investigation while the seized goods were taken to RPU branch in Rutsiro.

 Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods are auctioned.

Tax fraud

A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax.