{{Police in Burera District arrested a man identified as Theoneste Mucunguzi after he was found in possession of fake Ugandan currency amounting to Shs980, 000.}}
The seized fake money includes 18 notes of Ushs50, 000 and four notes of Ushs20, 000.
The suspect currently detained at Butaro Police station, was arrested as he tried to by the local currency – Rwandan francs – with the fake money.
It is alleged that Mucunguzi went to a businessman in Burera and requested him to buy his shillings.
However, the would-be victim, who was not well versed with the Ugandan currency, opted to first verify with his friends, if the money is real.
Out of fear that his business would fall in dilemma, the suspect tried to escape, but he was arrested by area residents in the due course, who handed him over to police.
The suspect, who admitted to the crime, however, said he got the illegal money from Uganda and that he had no hand in counterfeiting it.
Chief Superintendent Francis Gahima, the Northern Region Spokesperson warned people with have tendencies, reminding them that counterfeit is a criminal act that is punishable by the law.
He advised the public and the business community in particular to be vigilant not to fall prey of such criminals.
“Counterfeit has a negative impact to individuals, family as well as the country’s economy. It is, therefore, important that every one becomes vigilant to fight the vice,” said Gakara calling for citizen’s continued cooperation through information sharing.
Mucunguzi will be charged under article 488 of the penal code which stipulates that any person who sells or exchanges national or foreign currency shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six month to two years and a fine of Rwf200, 000 to Rwf 3,000, 000 or one of these penalties.
RNP
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