The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has clarified that the arrest of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema is linked to his personal business dealings and not to any alleged wrongdoing involving the football governing body.

RIB confirmed Shema’s arrest on Tuesday, August 11, over allegations of issuing a bounced cheque. He is currently being detained at the RIB station in Kicukiro as investigations continue.

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The arrest has attracted attention within Rwanda’s sports community because of Shema’s position as president of FERWAFA. However, investigators have stressed that the case does not involve the federation’s activities, finances or administration.

"The matter under investigation concerns his personal business dealings and is unrelated to FERWAFA and its operations,” RIB spokesperson Dr Thierry Murangira said.

RIB has not disclosed further details about the amount allegedly involved, the complainant or the circumstances surrounding the bounced cheque.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and that further information will be released as the case progresses.

Shema faces up to five years in prison

The offence for which Shema is being investigated carries a prison sentence of up to five years, substantial financial penalties and possible banking restrictions if he is found guilty.

Article 126 of Law No. 060/2021 of October 14, 2021, governing negotiable instruments, outlines the circumstances under which issuing a bounced cheque constitutes an offence.

The law states that a person commits the offence if they knowingly issue an uncovered cheque, fraudulently withdraw funds after issuing a cheque, unlawfully prevent payment, or transfer a cheque to another person while knowing that it is not backed by sufficient funds.

Upon conviction, an offender faces between two and five years in prison and a fine equivalent to five to 10 times the amount indicated on the cheque.

The law also provides for similar financial penalties against legal entities found guilty of the offence.

Additional sanctions

Beyond penalties imposed by a court, the National Bank of Rwanda may impose additional banking restrictions on convicted individuals.

These include suspending their right to obtain a new chequebook or open a new bank account, as well as requiring them to surrender any unused chequebooks.

The restrictions apply for six months for a first offence and one year for repeat offenders.

Convicted offenders may also be required to pay an additional penalty equivalent to 20 percent of the value of each bounced cheque.