Rwanda National Police

Two people were arrested separately on Friday in Kigali with counterfeit money amounting to Rwf101, 000.

One of the suspects identified as Jean Baptiste Atambushaka, 39, was arrested in Kimisagara cell, Kimisagara sector in Nyarugenge District with 48 fake notes in the denominations of Rwf2, 000 (Rwf96, 000).

Another suspect; Jean Thercise Kubwimana, 28, was taken into custody in Nyarurama Cell, Kigarama Sector in Kicukiro District.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the Central region, said the suspects were reported by the would-be victims.

"Atambushaka was caught trying to defraud a Mobile Money agent in Nyabugogo to deposit the Rwf96, 000 counterfeit money on his mobile account. Fortune enough, the agent was quick to notice that all the 48 notes of Rwf2, 000 were fake, and was quick to call the Police," CIP Umutesi said.

In the case involving Kubwimana, CIP Umutesi said that Police first arrested one Beatrice Mukamparirwa, who had paid a fake note of Rwf5, 000 at a shop, where she was buying goods.

"It later emerged that Mukamparirwa had been duped by one of her tenants ( Kubwimana), who had given her fake money while paying for rent. The prime suspect was tracked and arrested."

The spokesperson commended the vigilance and spirit of timely information sharing, which she said has led to arrest of many dealers in counterfeit currencies.

"These fraudsters mainly target telecom banking agents, bars, small shops and even people who exchange money on black market," she explained.

“Currency counterfeit is not a common crime but even a single fake note will hurt someone's business. We appeal to the business community to be cautious, check the given notes thoroughly to fight and prevent such financial crimes, which have ill-impact on the economy."

Under article 269 of the Penal Code, 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 years and not more than seven years.