Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has said seven people have been taken into custody after they spread nudity content on social media. The suspects are part of a group of nine people being investigated over spreading sex videos of themselves in a WhatsApp group called “Rich Gang.” ALSO READ: Public indecency acts clarified in new penal code bill RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects also used narcotic drugs, including cannabis. They face various charges, including public indecency, publication of pornographic images through a computer or a computer system, carrying out acts related to the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. The offenses carry prison sentences ranging between six months and five years. Murangira said investigators were looking into more groups involved in similar activities. These include Kigali VP HOOKS-UPS, VIP Online Sex, and Black Market Group. Murangira said that these platforms are reportedly promote explicit content for monetary gain. ALSO READ: Petition against Rwanda’s cybercrime law set for pre-trial The suspects currently in custody over “their involvement in recording and distributing explicit videos of themselves engaging in sexual acts and other obscene behaviors,” he said. They are detained at RIB stations of Kicukiro, Gikondo, Remera, Kacyiru, and Kimironko while the case is being prepared to be submitted to Prosecution. “Investigation is ongoing and whoever is found engaged in those illegal activities will be held accountable,” Murangira told The New Times. The arrests followed the spread of viral on social media last week. During the National Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, January 19, President Paul Kagame condemned the increasing trend of public nudity and obscenity, particularly among the youth. He noted that such behaviors not only reflected physical exposure but also a lack of moral and intellectual grounding, urging leaders in all sectors to address the issue as part of their responsibility to the Rwandan community. ALSO READ: Cybercrime: Criminals use blackmail to target minors Murangira urged the public to desist from misusing of social media by spreading obscene content. He explains that initial investigations revealed that some individuals in custody are involved in the commercial distribution of explicit images. “These activities must stop, as no one can claim their photos were leaked without acknowledging the criminal involvement,” Murangira said. He also noted that some individuals have become 'instigators' in spreading explicit content. “There are members of the diaspora who engage with people inside the country. They use money to lure them into situations where they are video-called one-on-one, often while naked,” he said. “This can lead to blackmail, where those who receive the videos threaten to release them unless certain demands are met. Sometimes, these videos are leaked. This typically happens with individuals who agree to be recorded but end up sending nude images,” he said. He said no individuals should claim their nude videos had been leaked without their consent.
