Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has handed over to the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) the case of five employees of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) who were arrested over alleged illegal procurement.

Thierry Murangira, the Spokesperson of RIB, confirmed that on Friday, December 2, RIB submitted to the prosecution the case of RBC employees suspected of illegal procurement. They have been detained since November 26.

The suspects include James Kamanzi, former Deputy General Manager at RBC, along with Fidele Rwema, who was an RBC employee in Karongi district, Fidele Ndayisenga, Jean-Pierre Ndayambaje, Leoncie Kayiranga, all of whom were RBC employees and members of the RBC procurement committee.

They are all suspected of illegal awarding of public procurement, a crime that is punishable by article 188 of the law governing public procurement.

A person convicted of committing this crime is bound to imprisonment of not less than five years but not more than seven years, and a fine of Rwf5 million and not less than Rwf2 million.

If it is committed by an employee under the orders of his manager, that manager shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 7 years but not more than 10 years, and a fine of Rwf5 million and not more than Rwf10 million.