Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on October 22 paraded ten individuals suspected of various offenses, including the duplication of alcoholic beverages, tax evasion, bribery, and the administration of harmful substances.

The individuals are accused of using bottles of known liquor brands to distribute and sell their own brew in shops and markets in Kigali.

According to RIB, the seized beverages were valued at over Rwf31 million. The suspects, nine men and one woman, aged between 24 and 60, were apprehended at different times throughout October.

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RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said that three of the suspects were directly involved in the duplication of liquor, while the remaining seven acted as accomplices, assisting in various capacities.

He explained that one of the suspects owned a banana wine factory, which he used to obtain RRA tax stamps, giving the duplicated alcohol a covering of legitimacy and kept the prices unusually lower the other liquor brands.

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"One of the particular aspects of this case is that one of the suspects attempted to bribe a RIB agent, offering money in an effort to secure his release despite already being under arrest,” Murangira said. "He wanted to pay him more than Rwf7 million to be released, promising to give more once he was out,” he said.

Murangira also noted that the woman among the suspects was the owner of the house, located in Gisozi, where all the alleged illegal operations took place.

He urged local leaders to remain vigilant about activities in their neighborhoods and to report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that many local authorities may be compromised by corruption.

According to Eric Nyirimigabo, the head of the Food Department at the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, the substances found in the duplicated liquor include acetic acid, volatile alcohol, ethanol, and methanol, emphasizing that these substances pose significant health risks if there are high content in in the beverage.

"Methanol is particularly dangerous, as it can cause blindness and even death, which is why I am urging the public to remain vigilant,” Nyirimigabo said.

He emphasized that these substances pose health risks, leading to issues such as digestive problems, tooth decay, and increased diabetes risk, adding that education and awareness are crucial in combating the issues of illicit beverages.