KIGALI – A group of repeat offenders has been arrested for orchestrating elaborate scams at banks in Kigali, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) announced.
The fraudsters — Nkurunziza John, Dushimiyimana Emmanuel, and Gatongore Issa — allegedly preyed on customers seeking deposit or forex services. They tricked victims by pretending to need help exchanging large sums of U.S. dollars and then presented bundles of paper stacked with one genuine note to appear authentic.
RIB officials said the suspects used accomplices, including motorcycle taxi operators, to lure victims away from banks before disappearing with their money.
“These are not first-time offenders,” said RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry. “In 2018, Gatongore and Dushimiyimana were convicted of organized crime and fraud, while Nkurunziza was sentenced in 2024 for similar offenses. This is clear recidivism.”
RIB has called on citizens to remain vigilant in banks and avoid individuals promising easy profits. Victims are encouraged to file complaints to facilitate investigations.
