Man arrested over document forgery

Police have arrested a 53-year-old man for allegedly forging several documents including foreign passports, national identifications, driver’s licenses and stamps.

Friday, September 04, 2015

Police have arrested a 53-year-old man for allegedly forging several documents including foreign passports, national identifications, driver’s licenses and stamps.

Ali Ruzavaho, a resident of Rwezamenyo Sector in Nyarugenge District, was apprehended on September 1, following police investigation.

According to Police, security agencies learnt of the forged documents and tracked them to the source which happened to be Ruzavaho’s home in Rwezamenyo.

Investigators caught him red-handed as he was selling a forged Burundian national ID at a fee of Rwf10, 000, Police said.

Police also seized several forged documents at his home, including 23 stamps, Burundian documents that comprise of driver’s licenses, passports and IDs.

The forged stamps include those of commercial banks, universities, construction firms, international NGOs, immigration, embassies, among others.

He was also found in possession of forged UAE and Chinese stamps.

Upon arrest, the suspect confessed to the crime and asked for forgiveness.

He said; "I wronged; I betrayed my country and I ask for forgiveness for the crimes I committed.”

Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent of Police Celestin Twahirwa warned the public against falsifying legal documents and instruments adding that "even those that hold such fake documents will be prosecuted.”

"Our security organs are well coordinated so much   that no one can walk away scot-free after committing crime. Forgery is an offense that is punishable by law,” said CSP Twahirwa.

He explained that the suspect will be charged with forgery or alteration of documents under article 609 of the penal code.

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