Two arrested over counterfeit money

RWANDA NATIONAL POLICE (RNP) has arrested two people with counterfeit money amounting to Rwf394, 000.

Saturday, May 04, 2013

RWANDA NATIONAL POLICE (RNP) has arrested two people with counterfeit money amounting to Rwf394, 000.One of the suspects was arrested on Wednesday in Nyanza cell, Busasamana sector in Nyanza district with Rfw244,000 in fake currency (14 and 87 fake notes of Rwf5,000 and Rwf2,000).The other suspect was arrested on Thursday in Kirehe District, Nyamugari sector, after he was found in possession of 75 fake notes in Rwf2, 000 denominations.Witnesses say the second suspect had by the time of arrest spent about Rwf2 million, all fake.He was apprehended by residents as he tried to buy a cow and sorghum from a woman, who previously fell victim to his illegal business.He had earlier bought sorghum worth Rw20, 000 from the same woman, only for the latter to identify later that the money was fake.He returned to buy a cow and more sorghum from the same woman, who notified neighbours. He was arrested as he tried to escape and found Rwf15, 000 on him, all fake.Chief Superintendent Hubert Gashagaza, the Southern region police spokesperson, warned whoever was involved in the illegal activity. "They [criminals] have no place in our community,” he said.Any person who sells or exchanges national or foreign currency is liable to a term of imprisonment of six month to two years, and a fine of Rwf200, 000 to Rwf 3,000, 000 or one of these penalties.