Rwanda National Police

Police in Kigali is holding a 27 year old woman suspected of being part of a ring that circulates counterfeit money in and around Kigali City.

The suspect, Betty Mukamugema, is detained at Nyamirambo Police Station, after she was arrested in Nyabugogo while trying to send counterfeits worth Rwf100,000 via Mobile Money.

Police in the district said that her arrest on June 16, followed a tip off from the mobile money agent who after, realizing the money received from the suspect was counterfeited, immediately called for Police intervention.

"Police immediately arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect – and upon searching her, they officers also discovered that she was in possession with five national identity cards belonging to different individuals," Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, Police spokesperson for the central region, said.

“Counterfeit money has a massive negative impact on the country’s economy and fighting this crime requires combined efforts between police and the public. By providing timely information to Police, the Mobile Money agent enabled police to intervene on time and apprehend the suspect. We should continue to work together until we have eliminated such counterproductive tendencies,” Superintendent Mbabazi said.

“If you are in any business establishment that deals with cash, there are things that you should not overlook. You should always check and verify the cash that you have been offered and ensure that there are no counterfeit bills in the mix. You can also acquire machines that help to detect fake money so that you are not cheated by criminals.”

Article 604 of the Rwandan Penal code stipulates that any person who counterfeits uses or circulates counterfeit money shall be liable to a term of imprisonment between 2 and five years and a fine twice to ten times the value of the counterfeit money.