A Rwandan suspected of being a conman and a dealer in fake gold has been deported to Rwanda where he will be charged with the alleged crimes. Hassan Murasira, 31, was escorted by Uganda Police to the Gatuna border yesterday, where he was handed over to Rwanda National Police (RNP) before being transported to Kigali. The RNP Police Spokesperson, CSP Celestin Twahirwa, said Murasira’s luck ran out last month, when he conned a victim in Kigali and ripped him of $27,000 after selling him fake gold. “When the victim found out that he had been sold fake gold, he reported the case to Police but the suspect fled before we could arrest him. We immediately issued an arrest warrant for him and alerted Ugandan Police that a fugitive could have escaped to their country,” CSP Twahirwa said. “Uganda Police Force swung into action and arrested the fugitive. This stems from the good cooperation between the two police forces, which has enabled efficient operations in ensuring peace and security in both countries.” Murasira’s arrest sends a message to other criminals that they have no place to hide in East Africa, according to Chris Musana, the Director of Financial Crimes at the National Central Bureau of Uganda Police Force. “The good relationship between East African states, particularly between Uganda and Rwanda, has led to a number of successful operations that have fostered peace and security,” Musana said. “We have the technology and skills to ensure that such criminals have no place to hide; and through Interpol, we share knowledge and information on all cross border crimes and fugitives. We commend RNP for being an example in efficient partnership.” Article 318 of the penal code states that anyone who obtains the property of another person by fraud or by intentionally using false names or qualities, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.
