Woman arrested over theft of Rwf2m from mobile money agent

Rwanda National Police has arrested a 24-year-old woman in Ruhango District for allegedly conning and robbing a Mobile Money agent of Rwf2 million.

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Rwanda National Police has arrested a 24-year-old woman in Ruhango District for allegedly conning and robbing a Mobile Money agent of Rwf2 million.

Chemsa Uwimana was arrested on Tuesday when the Mobile Money agent alerted Police about the incident, which occurred in Bweramana Sector.

Police Spokesperson for the Southern Region, Chief Superintendent Hubert Gashagaza, revealed that the suspect used trickery to illegally obtain the password of the Mobile Money agent, after which he hacked into his phone and sent Rwf2 million to her acquaintance’s mobile phone.

"The suspect pretended to be seeking for a service on MTN Mobile money, but as the agent tried to use platform their phone, the suspect stealthily crammed his password. Later as the agent was distracted, she craftily picked the phone, entered the password and sent Rwf2 million,” he said.

"Moments later, the agent became suspicious and upon checking his phone he discovered that Rwf2 million was missing. He immediately alerted Police and they were able to find and arrest the suspect, who was still in the area.”

After her arrest, Police immediately alerted MTN Rwanda about the incident and the money was traced. However, Rwf500,000 had been withdrawn already by the suspect’s accomplice, while Rwf1.5 million was returned to the mobile money agent.

"We acted swiftly while relying on timely information to ensure that the victim gets back her money. This is a clear example of how Police, the public and the business community can cooperate in order to end such economic and cyber crimes that tend to destroy other people’s achievements,” CSP Gashagaza said.

"Police is carrying out investigations and searching for the accomplice who received the stolen money and managed to withdraw Rwf500,000. We are confident that through community policing and sharing of timely information, Police will be able to foster peace, development and the rule of law in all communities.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw