The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has warned social media platforms and companies promoting online investment schemes run by fraudsters, saying they will be treated as accomplices in related crimes.
RIB says the rapid growth of technology has been accompanied by an increase in cyber-enabled fraud, with criminals increasingly using digital platforms to deceive citizens.
In recent years, authorities have recorded multiple cases in which people lost money after being lured into online schemes promising high daily returns. Many of these platforms later collapsed, leaving victims unable to recover their funds, with schemes such as STT among those previously reported.
According to RIB, such fraud is often amplified through online advertising, which helps scammers reach wider audiences and appear credible.
Speaking on Mama Urwagasabo TV, RIB spokesperson Dr Thierry Murangira said advertising plays a key role in sustaining these schemes by attracting more victims.
He warned that individuals and organisations promoting such platforms will be held accountable as accomplices to fraud.
“These crimes are fueled by advertising. Any social media platform or organisation that promotes these individuals will be considered an accomplice to the offence of fraud,” he said.
Dr Murangira urged advertisers to verify the legitimacy of any business before promoting it, cautioning that financial gain should not override responsibility and due diligence.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious schemes early, warning that such operations often collapse and leave victims without recourse.
