Police in Burera District is holding a man after he was allegedly found in possession of counterfeit currencies.
Felicien Ndikubwimana, 51, of Gafumba cell in Rugarama cell was arrested on April 3 with six fake notes of $100, 10, 000 Congolese francs and 500 Burundian francs, all amounting to Rwf388, 200.
He was arrested while exchanging the money in a nearby market after crossing over from neighbouring Uganda. He is reported to have continously been engaged in counterfeit activities for some time. He is under Police custody at Gahunga Police Station.
The Northern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Francis Gahima confirmed the arrest.
“Police won’t take long before counterfeiters are apprehended because the community is able to differentiate real from fake money,” said Gahima.
“I am urging the public to beware and report immediately any suspected incidents related to counterfeit or even any other crimes such that these criminals can be arrested,” he said.
He requested everyone especially local people, bank employees to always analyse thoroughly all currencies before banking them or doing any transaction.
Counterfeit is treacherous to the economy and also affects family and personal income.
If found guilty, Ndikubwimana is liable to a sentence between one and three years, according to article 604 of the Rwandan penal code.
It states that using or circulating, by any means, items misrepresented as money or negotiable instruments shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of two to five years and a fine of two to ten times the value of the counterfeit money.