Man arrested over counterfeit money

Police in Burera District, on Thursday, arrested a man found in possession of fake Ugandan currency amounting to Shs980, 000.The seized fake money includes 18 notes of Ushs50,000 and four notes of Ushs20,000 denominations. The suspect, currently detained at Butaro Police station, was arrested as he tried to buy the local currency – Rwandan Franc – with the fake money.He allegedly went to a money changer in Burera and requested him to buy his shillings. However, the would-be victim, who was not well versed with the Ugandan currency, opted to first verify with his friends, if the money was real.When the suspect realised that the deal might turn sour, he tried to escape, but was apprehended by area residents who handed him over to police.The suspect, who admitted to the crime, said he got the illegal money from Uganda and that he had no hand in counterfeiting it.Chief Superintendent Francis Gahima, the Northern Region Spokesperson, warned people with such tendencies, reminding them that engaging in counterfeit currencies is a criminal act that is punishable by the law. He advised the public and the business community in particular to be vigilant not to fall prey of such criminals.“Counterfeits have a negative impact on individuals, family as well as the country’s economy. It is, therefore, important that everyone becomes vigilant to fight the vice,” said Gakara, calling for citizens’ continued cooperation through information sharing.The suspect will be charged under article 488 of the Penal Code which stipulates that any person who sells or exchanges counterfeit money shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of Rwf200, 000 to Rwf 3 million or one of these penalties.

National

Man arrested over counterfeit money