The Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonavature Twizere Karekezi said that Kayitare was reported by the residents.

"A resident of Nengo called the Police reporting a vehicle that left Kigali heading to Rubavu to carry smuggled bales of clothes and shoes belonging to Kayitare. Police swiftly conducted an operation and found Kayitare near Lake Kivu in the area known as Tam-Tam after loading the goods on the vehicle," said CIP Karekezi

Kayitare admitted that he got the clothes from dealers who sneaked them into the country from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and were to be sold to his clients in the City of Kigali.

Kayitare was handed to RIB for further investigation while the smuggled goods were taken to Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).

Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods and automobile used in smuggling, are auctioned. The driver also faces a fine of US$5000.

Tax fraud

A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax.

With exception to that penalty, the Tax Administration refers the case to the Prosecution service if the taxpayer voluntarily evaded such tax, like through the use of false accounts, falsified documents or any other act punishable by law.

In case of conviction, the taxpayer can be imprisoned for a period between six months and two years.