According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the Central region, the suspect identified as Chantal Uwamaliya, 25, was arrested in Kanombe Sector for allegedly circulating counterfeit money amounting to Rwf25, 000.

“Uwamaliya is a telecom banking agent in Kanombe, she tried to fleece her fellow agents with fake currency notes," CIP Umutesi said.

She added: "Her criminal actions came to light after one of her colleagues realised that a note of Rwf5,000 she got from her was counterfeit. When other agents also checked the notes they allegedly received from Uwamaliya, they found they were also fake, which prompted them to call the Police."

The suspect currently detained at Kanombe Police station, claims that she was duped by a client, who gave her fake notes amounting to Rwf25, 000 in the denominations of Rwf5, 000, which she was trying to spend to avoid losses.

"Circulating fake money knowingly is equally a crime punishable by law," said CIP Umutesi.

The article 269 of penal code states: “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 (5) years and not more than seven (7) years.

CIP Umutesi warned against such fraudulent tendencies and called for vigilance and information on anyone they suspect to be behind these criminal acts.