In separate operations across the country last week, Rwanda National Police (RNP) rounded up four men suspected to be part of gangs that make and circulate counterfeit money in the country.

The suspects were identified as Jean de Dieu Hakizimana from Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District, Nyandwi Jean Bosco and Tuyizere Samuel from Kimisagara Sector in Nyarugenge District, and Nyandwi Pascal from Masaka Sector in Kicukiro District.

Hakizimana was arrested while trying to deposit counterfeits worth Rwf167, 000 on his mobile money account, while Nyandwi was caught trying to shop with fake notes worth Rwf12, 000.

The other two suspects were also found with a total of Rwf56, 000 in fake currency, as they attempted to exploit mobile money agents.

Police Spokesperson for Central Region, SP Modeste Mbabazi, said mobile money agents, forex bureaus and shops are usually a target of fake money dealers.

He urged residents to be alert and work with police to stop the crime.

"The use and manufacture of fake currency is not a big problem in Rwanda but however, it is not acceptable and should be fought against,” he said.

"Such crimes are curbed through collaboration and partnership with police – and we commend all residents who share timely information that facilitates the investigations that lead to the arrest of the suspects. Let us continue to work together through community policing and protect our country from any threat of crime.”

He also called upon the business community to put in place gadgets, such as electronic money counting machines that detect the quality of currency.

Police regularly conducts operations against counterfeit currency – with one major operation conducted in July this year, when 15 suspects in connection with making and circulating fake money worth over Rwf19.6 million were apprehended.

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