Two held for embezzling health insurance funds

Police in Musanze district have arrested two accountants at Muhoza Health Centre for alleged mismanagement of public funds.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Police in Musanze district have arrested two accountants at Muhoza Health Centre for alleged mismanagement of public funds.Chief Superintendent Francis Gahima, the Northern Province police spokesperson said the duo had opened personal accounts in FINA BANK in their names on which they deposited health insurance funds. So far Rwf 17m was found missing and investigations to ascertain the actual amount missing is underway, according police. "The two forged documents and signed them in the name of the health centre director with intent to steal health insurance funds. Working with district auditors we are still investigating to find out how much money was embezzled,” said Gahima.The suspects had reportedly deposited on the new account over Rwf44 million.One of the accused speaking from police denied all the allegations against him, saying the health centre had not registered any financial loss."What I know is that we have no case of embezzlement in the health insurance, I know nothing about the said forgery,” said one of the suspects.However, another suspect admitted that they had worked together to forge the signature of the director, including embezzling public funds.Once the suspects are found guilty the crimes attract between seven and 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of between Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 5 million.