Kicukiro Primary Court has sentenced four people involved in a sophisticated fraud scheme in which victims were tricked into purchase of quinoa seeds disguised as a lucrative investment opportunity.

The suspects were part of a group paraded by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in April over allegations of defrauding victims using millet grains painted black, falsely marketed as quinoa seeds.

On May 19, the court found all four defendants guilty of fraud.

Three of the convicts were each sentenced to one year and six months in prison and fined Rwf2 million. Another suspect, described as the mastermind behind the operation, was handed a four-year prison sentence and fined Rwf5 million.

Two other people who had initially been presented alongside the suspects did not appear before court after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence linking them to the crimes.

The fraudsters targeted individuals unfamiliar with quinoa and convinced them they could make significant profits through a fake resale arrangement tied to a supposed foreign researcher.

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Meanwhile, RIB said additional related cases are still under investigation and that new files will be submitted to the prosecution once completed.

According to RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira, at least 15 victims have so far filed complaints, reporting losses totaling more than Rwf86.1 million. He added that one suspect believed to be part of the group remains at large.

How the scheme worked

Details released by RIB indicated what investigators described as a well-organised criminal network with clearly assigned roles among its members.

Authorities said the alleged suspect, who remains on the run, used the alias "Dr Andrew Miller” and posed as a foreign researcher.

Members of the group reportedly assumed different responsibilities. One acted as a "director of finance,” while others were tasked with identifying potential investors in affluent Kigali neighbourhoods, including Rebero, Nyarutarama, and Kibagabaga.

The scheme often began with some suspects approaching homeowners under the pretext of looking for accommodation for "Dr Miller,” who they claimed intended to carry out research in Rwanda.

Victims were promised lucrative rental payments of up to $8,200 per month, with assurances that the supposed researcher could even pay a full year in advance because of a long-term project in the country.

To strengthen their credibility, they presented forged documents and arranged phone calls with the supposed doctor, who pretended to be abroad.

Homeowners were then encouraged to modify their properties to fit the fake research project after being told that "Dr Miller” was working on turning quinoa seeds into a cure for cancer.

The fraudsters would later introduce what appeared to be an investment opportunity involving quinoa seeds. Victims were told they could buy the seeds for $2,000 and resell them to the same "doctor” for $3,000, guaranteeing quick profits.

Unaware that they were dealing with the same criminal group, several victims accepted the deal, believing they would earn easy returns.