KIGALI - Police has warned that human trafficking and cyber crimes are on the rise cautioning the general public to be on the lookout.

Appearing on a televised talk-show yesterday, several top police officers, including the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, warned the population against human trafficking and cyber crime.

The Commissioner for Criminal Investigations, Christophe Bizimungu, said that the crime rate has generally dropped over the past six years, owing to police sustained efforts and cooperation by the public.

He noted that, despite this progress, there are certain crimes which are on the increase, although not at an alarming rate. In this category, he pointed out marijuana trade, and other crimes which ordinary Rwandans usually don’t recognize, such as internet swindling schemes.

"These days, there are criminals that hoodwink people through the internet. They are deceived that they will get huge profits, and many have lost money through these schemes,” Bizimungu said.

"My advice is that whenever you see someone promising excess profit, it is important for one to ask yourself whether you are not being targeted by fraudsters. We should all be very careful.”

Bizimungu added that a forensic laboratory project is in the pipeline to deal with such cases. He added that since cyber crime has no borders, Interpol is helping in fighting it.

On human trafficking, the CID commissioner said: "Even though cases are few in Rwanda, it is a very serious crime, which might also increase, if you look at the global trend. Those involved are getting huge profits, and we must be very alert.”

"People are taken to foreign countries and turned into sex slaves or their body organs are taken,” he added, noting incidents where girls and women are trafficked.

Also highlighted was the case of Genocide denial, which the police officials warned against, especially as the nation heads into the Genocide commemoration week, due early next month.

The Inspector General of Police shed light on the recent grenade attacks, saying that since last year, the national police took time to thoroughly investigate and expose the network.

He warned the public against the designs of the "Kayumba and Karegyeya network”, that is working to cause insecurity in the country.

The police bosses also discussed traffic security, community policing, among other issues.

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