Rwanda National Police

A man suspected of circulating counterfeit money was arrested on Sunday in Nyarugenge District.

Charles Habyarimana, a carpenter in Rugarama village, Rugarama Cell, Nyamirambo Sector was at the time of his arrest found in possession of Rwf370, 000, all counterfeit.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that Habyarimana was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Units during the operation against drug dealers.

“Habyarimana was reported by some people close to him, who suspected him of engaging in criminal activities, including drug dealings and circulating fake money,” CIP Umutesi explained.

“At the time of his arrest, Habyarimana was found with 74 fake notes in the denominations of Rwf5, 000 and pellets of cannabis,” said the spokesperson.

She commended the role of the public in fighting drug dealers, those who counterfeit and circulate fake currency notes and other criminal acts.

The spokesperson lauded the vigilance and spirit of timely information sharing, which leads to arrest of many dealers in counterfeit currencies and also drug dealers. Two other people were arrested last week in Kigali with fake money amounting to Rwf101, 000.

Any person convicted for "severe drugs", under article 263 of the penal code, faces between 20 years and life in prison and a fine of up to Rwf30 million.”

Under article 269 of the Penal Code, any person, who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or banknotes 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.