Rwanda National Police

Police in Kayonza District has arrested a man identified as Jean Claude Gisagara, 40, who was found circulating counterfeit money.

Gisagara was taken into custody Thursday in Nyamirama Sector after he was found in possession of counterfeit notes amounting to Rwf29,000 in the denominations of Rwf1, 000.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, the suspect was at the time trying to defraud a Mobile Money agent to deposit the fake money on his Mobile Money account.

“His arrest followed a tip-off from the would-be victim—Mobile Money agent—who after realizing the money received from Gisagara was counterfeit, immediately called for Police intervention,” said CIP Twizeyimana.

He added: “The suspect tried to deposit Rwf30, 000 on his mobile account, but the agent realized that 29 notes were counterfeit. Right now, law enforcement organs are working together to identify the origin of the counterfeits and to arrest anyone behind it.”

CIP Twizeyimana noted that counterfeit money has a massive negative impact on the country’s economy and fighting the 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,” the spokesperson said.

CIP Twizeyimana observed that criminals behind money counterfeiting use very many schemes in order to succeed.

“They specially target small businesses such as telecom banking agents, shops and other small transactions agents. We urge the public to be vigilant and to share information on anyone you suspect to be dealing in fake monies.”

“If you are in any business 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.”

Article 269 of penal code states: “Any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years.

Any person, who knowingly acquires or receives coins or notes knowing that it is falsified, even if he/she is not one of counterfeiters or importers of such monies, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term not less than one year and not more than three years.