Police in Kigali are holding a man believed to be part of a ring that makes and distributes fake currencies.

 Abubakar Juma of Nyamirambo, in Nyarugenge District, was apprehended on Wednesday in Kivugiza Cell, where Police also recovered counterfeit money worth US$1200 and equipment he was allegedly using to make the fake notes.

Juma is currently detained at Nyamirambo Police Station as investigations continue.

Nyarugenge District Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Edward Kayitare said that the suspect was arrested after investigations that were aided by credible information provided by citizens through Community Policing.

"The suspect apparently manipulated scanners and printers to make counterfeit money, and it appears there are other people he works with in this criminal business,” SSP Kayitare said.

"There are other people who have been arrested in the recent past in connection with similar criminal offences. We call upon the public to continue cooperating with Police in order to uproot this dangerous activity,” he said.

 Kayitare said that, Police are continuing with investigations into currency forgery and other economic crimes, especially in busy towns that are targeted by such criminals.

He added that although the challenge is not alarming in Rwanda, the public and the business community should be watchful at all times.

"We want shop owners, financial institutions and other businesses to continue being vigilant and contact the police as soon as they see any suspicious behaviour, or if think they have been handed a  counterfeit note,” he said.

When counterfeits penetrate an economy at a high rate, they damage legitimate businesses and also harm the country’s economic growth, according to experts.

"The magnitude and effects of counterfeiting is of such significance that it compels strong and sustained action and partnership between Police, business and consumers. Police will continue to effectively investigate such economic crimes and also promote public support to combat counterfeiting,” SSP Kayitare added.