Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called upon members of the general public especially the business community to be vigilant in their financial transactions and report to police immediately they encounter people who try to procure goods using counterfeit money.
This, police says, will facilitate the fight against currency counterfeit and distribution of fake money into the economy, and prevent business owners from falling prey and ruining their businesses through losses.
The call follows Sunday incident in Nyagatare District where a man was arrested after he was found in possession of counterfeits worth Rwf42, 000, all in Rwf2000 denomination.
Police identified the suspect as Jean de Dieu Manirafasha, who was arrested in Karangangazi, and currently detained at Karangazi Police station as investigations continue.
The Eastern Province Police Spokesperson (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, said that the matter was reported by a mobile phone airtime vendor, who informed local authorities after identifying that the Rwf2000 the suspect was trying to use to buy airtime from him, was fake.
“When local leaders arrived, with the help of residents, they searched him and recovered more 20 notes of Rwf2000, all fake, and they called Police which took over the case,” IP Kayigi said.
“Had this vendor not paid attention and thoroughly check the note he was being given, he would have incurred a loss. Although this issue of currency counterfeit is not a threat, there are some people who have become victims and it has affected them in their activities in one way or another and that’s why we urge everyone to always be sure that the money they are being given is real and report to police as soon as they find people attempting to cheat them or others,” IP Kayigi said.
He, however, thanked the role the general public play in fighting and preventing crimes, noting that majority of people arrested in connection with currency counterfeit and other crimes were due to their partnership and timely information exchange.
Article 604 of the Rwandan Penal Code stipulates that, any person who counterfeits or circulates forged currency is liable to a term of imprisonment between five and seven years and a fine between two time and ten times the value of the counterfeits.
RNP
UM– USEKE.RW
