Two arrested trying to rip off refugees with counterfeits

Police have arrested two men who tried to offer counterfeit currency worth over Rwf1 million in exchange for genuine money.

Monday, May 04, 2015

Police have arrested two men who tried to offer counterfeit currency worth over Rwf1 million in exchange for genuine  money.

The two suspects were arrested, last week, in Ngeruka Sector, Bugesera District, and are currently in custody as investigations continue.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects worked together to target Burundian refugees in the area, whom they intended to offer counterfeit Rwandan Francs in exchange of Burundi Francs.

"The two suspects were masquerading as money changers and they were apprehended in the act after one of their victims alerted Police in the area,” Police Spokesperson for Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said.

"The victim had been offered Rwf20,000 fake notes, but he became suspicious and told Police in the area. Police arrested the men before they could escape.”

One of the suspects was found in possession of  160 counterfeit notes of Rwf5,000 denominations worth Rwf800,000, while his counterpart had 55 fake notes of Rwf2,000 denomination worth Rwf210,000.

"We continue to remind residents to join Police efforts by reporting anyone that could be involved in criminal acts  which affects their well-being, for quick and effective intervention,” Kayigi said.