The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested nine suspects accused of defrauding the public by selling dyed millet falsely marketed as quinoa seeds.
The arrests were announced on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after investigations prompted by multiple complaints from victims who were allegedly tricked into purchasing the counterfeit product.
According to RIB, the suspects painted millet grains black and sold them as quinoa to unsuspecting buyers, in a scheme aimed at illicit financial gain.
Investigators further revealed that some of the suspects were also involved in attempts to illegally register land that did not belong to them, exploiting a situation in which the rightful owner was imprisoned while his spouse had passed away.
RIB said the suspects face charges including forming and joining a criminal group, forgery, and obtaining property through fraud.
They are currently detained at RIB stations in Remera and Kicukiro, with their case file already submitted to the prosecution.
The bureau commended members of the public and institutions that contributed to the arrests and warned against engaging in similar fraudulent schemes, stressing that such offences will continue to be pursued and prosecuted.
