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Kinyarwanda
Two consultants in Kigali have been arrested for manipulating Electronic Billing Machines (EBM) and trying to defraud the tax authority over Rwf384 million.
Noel Nzabonitegyeka and Christella Mutesi were arrested on September 30, following investigations that discovered that their fraudulent activities were leading to losses in tax collection, according to Drocella Mukashyaka, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services at Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).
The duo was arrested through a strong partnership between Rwanda National Police (RNP) through its Revenue Protection Unit, which conducted investigations and tracked the suspects as they went on with their illegal activities.
The Commanding Officer of Revenue Protection Unit, CSP Jean Nepo Mbonyumuvunyi, revealed that the suspects worked together by creating a ghost company in order to acquire an electronic billing machine, which they later on misused to create false receipts and invoices.
“They created a company in 2014 that was meant to deal in construction material, but investigations show that they did not sell or a buy a single unit, yet their billing machine indicates that they had amassed taxes,” he said.
“Through joint investigations , we found that the office did not have a physical address or contacts. We eventually arrested the duo and found that they were using the machine with other unscrupulous business people to create false receipts.”
Mukashyaka disclosed that the duo had managed to pocket Rwf120 million in 2014 from RRA through wrongful claims, while they had also claimed over Rwf384 million before they were arrested.
She also commended RNP for its partnership in overcoming illegal business activities, and for acting swiftly to apprehend those involved in fraudulent activities.
“This should serve as an example to those in the business community who are planning to indulge in such activities. Sooner or later we shall catch up with them and they will face the law,” she said.
CSP Mbonyumuvunyi noted that: “Such activities are against the country’s steady growth plans, and police warns the business community against getting involved in such and other activities that undermine the business climate of the country.”
“Investigations will continue in order to apprehend all those who were involved in this case,” he added.
The Revenue Protection unit is one of the specialized units in the RNP, attached to Rwanda Revenue Authority to help the tax body in preventing, detecting and investigating cases related to tax evasion and smuggling.
