The warning follows the arrest of individuals in different operations, after they were found in possession of counterfeit monies as they tempted to fleece unsuspecting members of the public.

In the latest operation conducted on Monday, August 8, RNP arrested two men in Rwamagana District in possession of counterfeit money amounting to Rwf45,000.

Jonas Nsengiyumva, 34, and Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, 33, were arrested at a bar in Shaburondo Village, Bwisanga cell, Gishari Sector where they were attempting to pay for drinks with fake money.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said the suspects were reported by the would-be victim.

"Police first arrested Murwanashyaka at the bar, where he had paid a fake bill of Rwf5,000. He was searched and found with other two notes in the denominations of Rwf5,000," SP Twizeyimana said.

Murwanashyaka told the Police that he bought the counterfeit money from Nsengiyumva for Rwf3,000 for every Rwf5000 fake note.

“Nsengiyumva was also tracked and arrested at his home in the same village where he was found in possession of fake money amounting to Rwf30,000, in the denominations of Rwf5,000," said SP Twizeyimana.

Nsengiyumva also claimed that he got the counterfeits from someone in Masaka Sector in Kicukiro District, but could not disclose the particulars of the person.

SP Twizeyimana called upon the public be vigilant against such fraudsters, who mainly target small businesses.

The suspects and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Gishari station for further investigations.

Article 269 of law No 68/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.