Six people are in custody while one suspect remains at large in connection with a sophisticated fraud scheme in which victims were tricked into buying fake quinoa seeds, according to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).

The suspects allegedly sold millet grains painted black and presented them as quinoa, an unfamiliar product to many in Rwanda, convincing victims they were making a profitable investment.

According to RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira, the group is believed to have defrauded victims of more than Rwf 50 million and at least $3,000. The arrests followed complaints from two victims, while authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify additional victims and apprehend the remaining suspect.

The suspects are facing multiple charges, including forming a criminal group, fraud, and forgery. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from one to 10 years in prison.

How the scheme worked

Details released by RIB on Tuesday, April 21 expose an organised operation with clearly defined roles among the suspects. Murangira said the alleged mastermind, still at large, used the alias "Dr Andrew Miller” and posed as a foreign researcher.

Members of the group were assigned specific roles. One acted as a "director of finance,” while his accomplices were tasked with finding investors in upscale neighborhoods such as Rebero, Nyarutarama, and Kibagabaga.

The scheme would typically begin with some members of the group approaching homeowners, claiming they were searching for a residence for "Dr Miller,” whom they said intended to conduct research.

They promised lucrative rental payments, up to $8,200 per month, and in some cases suggested the "doctor” could pay a full year in advance since he had a long-term project in Rwanda.

To build credibility, the group presented forged documents and even arranged phone calls with the alleged doctor, who pretended to be abroad.

Homeowners were then persuaded to modify their properties to suit the supposed research needs, having been told that the "doctor” had a project to turn quinoa seeds into cancer cure.

Eventually, the scammers, through their accomplices, would introduce the fake quinoa deal. Victims were told they could purchase the seeds at $2,000, with a guaranteed resale value of $3,000 to the same "doctor” for his research.

Unaware they were dealing with the same group, the victims would agree to the deal, believing they would make quick returns.

How they got caught

The scheme began to unravel when one potential investor, who intended to re-invest $20,000, became suspicious and consulted a spouse. They later reported the matter to authorities, triggering criminal investigations that led to the arrests.

Murangira urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the scheme to come forward.

Separate fraud case

In a separate case, three other people have also been paraded by RIB over alleged fraud.

The trio is accused of attempting to sell a property valued at Rwf50 million without the owner’s consent, taking advantage of the fact that the owner was incarcerated while his spouse had passed away.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing.