Police in Kigali have arrested two men after thwarting an attempt to exchange counterfeit US dollars worth $10,000 at a foreign exchange bureau in the city center.
The suspects, identified as Athanase Munyemana, 41, and Augustin Habimana, 33, were arrested at SHAHANSH Forex Bureau near Iposita in Nyarugenge Sector, Nyarugenge District, according to the Rwanda National Police.
Police said the arrest followed swift action by forex bureau staff, who detected irregularities in the banknotes and alerted authorities before the money could enter circulation. Officers responded and detained the suspects, who were unable to account for the source of the cash.
The Rwanda National Police confirmed that investigations are underway to trace the origin of the counterfeit dollars and identify possible accomplices.
The two suspects have since been handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) to face charges related to the circulation of counterfeit currency.
Kigali City Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Wellars Gahonzire, praised the forex bureau employees for their vigilance, saying their actions helped prevent potential financial losses to the public.
He urged traders and members of the public to remain cautious when handling cash, warning that counterfeiters continue to target businesses, particularly those dealing with large sums of money. He encouraged the use of currency verification tools to reduce the risk of fraud.
