The office of the Attorney General may soon sue 281 people over embezzlement of public funds, according to the Ministry of Justice.

The cases, according to a report seen by The New Times, involves about  Rwf833 million and $1,700.

The report indicates that, since 2006, cases involving embezzlement of public funds  total to 354, including those that have already been charged and those who returned the money.

Majority of the culprits are local government officials and officers in parastatals.

As a result, the Minister for Justice, Johnston Busingye, said he will work hard to ensure that all those who embezzled public funds return the money.

"We have done enough talking about respect for public resources through meetings,  press conferences and direct correspondence. It is now time for action,” said Busingye, who is also the Attorney General.

As of today, 86 cases of embezzlement involving approximately Rwf391 million, have been filed to courts.

"My plea is that anybody owing the state any funds from a criminal or civil court process should voluntarily pay up or negotiate a payment schedule,” the minister said.

Busingye added: "Let us use the tools at our disposal to prevent abuse of public resources. Anyone who squanders public resources not only derails our national progress but also insults our collective intelligence and dignity.”

The report comes to light after President Paul Kagame issued a stern warning against officials who embezzle state funds, last Friday, saying that not only should they be prosecuted but should also be compelled to return the resources they have embezzled.