Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), on Monday, September 8, paraded 26 people suspected of engaging in fraudulent schemes targeting mobile money users. The suspects, RIB says, allegedly posed as telecommunications agents, calling unsuspecting individuals and tricking them into sending money. Speaking during their parading, RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said the crimes were committed between May and August, with about Rwf30 million stolen. The suspects, who referred to themselves as “Abameni,” are aged between 18 and 54. The group consists of 25 men and one woman, all of whom were presented to the media. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: RIB parades 45 mobile money fraud suspects Through collaboration with Rwanda National Police and other agencies, RIB recovered Rwf15 million and seized the suspects’ property obtained through the stolen funds. Confiscated assets included land, livestock, and mobile phones valued at Rwf10 million. The suspects reportedly used various deceptive methods, such as impersonating telecommunications companies by calling or sending text messages to victims and asking them to enter specific numbers on their phones. ALSO READ: Parading of suspects challenged in Supreme Court “The investigation indicated that some telecom company agents were working with them,” Murangira added. “The fraudsters deceive people by claiming that money has been lost and demand repayment, or they intimidate them by threatening to block their mobile money accounts, among other tricks,” he said. Sometimes, they call people claiming that their national IDs are linked to multiple contacts, some of which were allegedly involved in fraud. The fraudsters, he said, often used numbers that closely resemble those of telecom officials to intimidate victims, warning of severe consequences, including SIM card suspension. “Once the victim becomes fearful and asks what to do, the fraudster instructs them to enter certain numbers, which lead to money being transferred or their PIN code being changed, allowing the fraudster to take control of the account,” he noted. If the victim appears particularly anxious, the fraudsters may instruct them to transfer money from their bank account to the SIM card to check if it was reactivated, and further deceive them. The arrested suspects face charges including forming a criminal gang, obtaining property through deceit, identity fraud, failure to account for the source of property, and extortion. Murangira urged the public to remain vigilant. He further cautioned anyone planning to engage in such crimes to desist and seek lawful means of livelihood.
