Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested two men in Nyarugenge District suspected of being part of a criminal ring that makes  and distributes counterfeit money in the country.

Identified as Japhet Ndabaretse and Jonas Mwenedata, both in mid 20s, they were arrested on June 5 in police investigations into money counterfeiting.

They were arrested in Rwezamenyo Sector and were found in possession of chemicals used in the making of fake money, as well as fake notes worth Rwf15,000.

Police Spokesperson for the Central Region, Superintendent Modeste Mbabazi, said that the successful operation was enabled by information provided by a resident in the area who reported to police after being conned of Rwf240,000 by the suspects.

“We got a report that two men had conned a bar owner of Rwf240,000 and when we got their description, we realized that they were some of the suspects that we were investigating for making counterfeit money,” he said.

“We immediately followed up the lead and arrested the duo – and it was not surprising when we found with them counterfeits and chemicals that they use to manufacture the fake money.”

They are currently detained at Nyamirambo Police Station as  investigations continue.

Superintendent Mbabazi noted that crimes such as money counterfeiting and conning are connected and are usually conducted by the same groups of individuals – thus the need for cooperation with the public through the dissemination of timely information that enables the arrest of such suspects.

“Everyone has a role to play in maintaining safety and security. When a suspect is identified, immediately alert Police and we shall be there on time to ensure that those suspects are answerable for their actions. There is no good in remaining silent because if not reported in time, criminals get more confident in their action,” he said.

"We cannot afford to wait until counterfeits become a problem. We should work together to ensure that our development and economy are not hampered by this scourge.”

Penal Code article 604 stipulates that any person who counterfeits or circulates forged currency is liable to a term of imprisonment between five and seven years and a fine twice to ten times the value of the counterfeits.