{Although currency counterfeit is considered not a big issue in Rwanda, Police have continued the awareness and crackdown against people that could be involved in either making or circulating fake monies as part of its ongoing community policing activities against any illegal and criminal activities.}
During the community policing activities in Gasabo and Rubavu districts recently, three people including a female were arrested after local residents informed Police that the trio were suspected to be involved in counterfeit money related crimes.
Police identified the suspects are Felicienne Uwiragiye arrested in Gisenyi Sector of Rubavu, and Jean Pierre Shakurugo, 37, and Xavier Nizeyimana 33, both arrested in Gasabo in Gisozi Sector.
According to Police, the residents’ information and subsequent arrests was confirmed by the fact that they found the trio in possession of fake monies amounting to Rwf30, 000.
Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, Police spokesperson for the central region, said that such counterfeit cases are rare, but added that “even making or circulating a single fake note is the same as having bundles of fake notes.”
Counterfeiting legal tender, under article 601 of the penal code is punishable with a prison sentence of five to seven years.
In article 603, acquiring counterfeit monies knowingly or unknowingly and circulates it carries a prison sentence of between six months and three years.
Supt. Mbabazi commended the role of the general population in making community policing a successful proactive tool in identifying, reporting, fighting and preventing crimes, but urged them to utilize the police communication tools like toll-free lines and other mobile network means, and online services to report any illegal and criminal activity, singling out drug abuse and gender based violence as some of those that required quick response.
Leave a Reply