Rwanda National Police (RNP) arrested a 46-year old woman identified as Solange Uwizeye, in Rulindo District for allegedly circulating counterfeit money amounting to Frw20,000.
Uwizeye was apprehended in Nyabyondo Village, Rutonde Cell, Shyorongi Sector after she tried to buy goods in Rutonde trading centre using fake currency notes.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Pacifique Semahame Gakwisi, the Acting District Police Commander for Rulindo, said that different traded noticed that bills of Frw5, 000 that Uwizeye was paying them for the acquired goods were counterfeit, and called the Police.
“Four different traders in Rutonde trading centre reported that Uwizeye had paid them fake notes in the denominations of Frw5, 000. Good enough, Police officers were able to trace her in the trading centre at about 4pm, and took her into custody for the alleged crime,” said CIP Semahame
CIP Semahame reminded the public that counterfeit money has negative effect on the economy of the country and urged the business community to always be vigilant to avoid falling prey and to report anyone suspected to be engaged in such serious financial crimes.
“Counterfeiting money and circulating it, although it is still very low in Rwanda, has enormous negative impact on the national economy and small businesses in particular; it is a crime given due attention to fight and prevent it, and ensure that everyone involved faces justice,” the DPC explained.
Uwizeye was handed over to RIB at Shyorongi station along with the exhibits for further investigation.
Article 269 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that 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.(End)