Two people have been arrested in Eastern Province in connection with counterfeiting and distributing fake currencies

Papias Sebakwiye, 28, and Odette Kansanga, 35, were arrested separately in Nyagatare and Kayonza districts, respectively, on Saturday after they were found in possession of Rwf136,000 in counterfeit notes.

Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said Sebakwiye was arrested in Nyagatare Sector after a Tigo Cash agent, who was a target of their money distribution scheme alerted Police.

Sebakwiye was trying to deposit fake notes amounting to Rwf96,000 on his Tigo Cash account, he said.

Kansanga was arrested in Bwiza, Mukarange Sector, as he tried to buy goods using fake money.

He was found in possession of fake money valued at Rwf40,000 at the time of his arrest, Kayigi added.

Kayigi warned against counterfeiting and illegal tender, an act he said is punishable by the law, and hurts the economy.

"Counterfeit money is a rare crime in the region, but I urge the business community to take precautionary measures and check money given to them, thoroughly to avoid falling prey, and always call Police whenever they see people vending fake money,” Kayigi said.