Police in Nyanza District are holding a man identified as Josue Harindintwari after he was found in possession of counterfeit money.

The suspect, being held at Busoro Police Station, was arrested on Wednesday, following a tip off by an employee of Umurenge Sacco Busoro, who noticed the fake money the suspect wanted to deposit on his account.

The suspect had 14 notes of Rwf5000 which he wanted to deposit.

"Our officers arrived in time, found the man still around and immediately arrested him,” the Nyanza District Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police Francis Muheto said.

"He tried to claim ignorance of the notes but that is something he will have to tell court. We cannot tolerate those who try to circulate fake money and the business community must beware of such criminals.”

He commended the Sacco employee for alerting Police and reminded the general public to work with security agencies through community policing, by providing timely information that can lead to the arrest of suspects or the prevention of criminal activities.

Falsifying or altering coins and bills which are legal tender is a criminal offense under Articles 601 to 602 of the Rwandan penal code.

The penal code also criminalises knowingly circulating fake money.