The quartet of Jean Claude Ndacyayisenga, 44, Francois Zirarushya, 46, Onesphore Ndarihumbye, 44, and Oscar Habimana, 44, arrested in Irakiza Village, Nengo Cell, Gisenyi Sector for allegedly making and circulating counterfeit bills.

At the time, they were found in possession of counterfeit dollar bills amounting to US$25 as well as papers cut in form of currency notes and hair products which they were using to make fake money.

Three other people; Mediatrice Umutoni, 23, Jean Damascene Ntabigwira, 40 and Issa Mbonyi, 65, were also arrested the Gisenyi Sector, Mbugangari Cell, Ubucuruzi Village over fraud.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Western region Police spokesperson, said that the two groups had planned to meet, before Police was called in.

“The two groups had planned to meet but one intending to fleece the other. One group claimed that it had ivory tusks which they were selling and the other had fake dollar notes, which they wanted to use to buy the said ivory tusks," said CIP Karekezi said.

He added that Police first arrested the group that had counterfeit money, who led them to another group that claimed to have ivory tusks.

CIP Karekezi thanked residents, who reported the suspected criminal groups.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Gisenyi station for further investigation.

Article 269 of the law determining offences 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.

Article 174 of the same law states that; any person who, by deception, obtains another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or who offers positive promises or who threatens of future misfortunes, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than three years, and a fine of not less that Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million.