*Money not yet recovered

The case involving two employees of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) accused of stealing Rwf 46m from the national treasury in 2007 which was supposed to be heard on Wednesday was postponed to September 23.

The two, Francois Murenzi accused of stealing Rwf 20 million and Francois Rusagara who allegedly stole 26 million  were arrested in 2007 after investigations by the bank’s management unearthed a well-planned scheme by the two men to defraud the bank of millions of francs.

They were consequently found guilty of fraud and sentenced to 5 years in prison each and their appeal is being heard in the High Court.

However, contrary to what was reported recently, the money has not been recovered. According to the Central Bank, among other things, it is working with the prosecution to ensure that the money is recovered.

"The money has not been recovered. The Central Bank has asked the National Prosecution Authority to ensure that the money is recovered among other things being done,” an official from BNR said.

The two men who worked in the bank’s teller system interfered with the automated machines and manipulated them to release extra money during withdrawals and would automatically deduct a certain percentage off clients’ deposits.

It was discovered that workers would give the money to loan sharks commonly known as Banque Lambert and it would be returned with profit before the bank carried out control.

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