Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western Region Political and Civic Education (RPCEO), said that Byumvuhore had targeted mobile banking agents in Kabeza village, Gihundwe cell, Kamembe sector, to deposit the counterfeits on his mobile money account.

"Byumvuhore first fleeced one agent, whom he gave Rwf52,000, all counterfeit, to deposit it on his mobile money account, but he was arrested red-handed shortly after with more counterfeits amounting to Rwf46,000, eight bills in the denominations of Rwf5,000 and three notes of Rwf2,000, as he attempted to con another agent," said CIP Rukundo.

The suspect and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Kamembe station for further legal process.

"The search for other accomplices is still underway. These are serious but avoidable crimes and we call upon the public to always share information with the Police on anyone they suspect to be engaged in these criminal practices of counterfeiting and circulating money," CIP Rukundo warned.

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.

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.