The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested Akimana Benjamin, his wife Uwimbabazi Thacienne, and Niyonagize François for alleged crimes involving fraudulently obtaining others' property through deception, using forged documentation, and filing false complaints to deceive investigative authorities.
The Tactics Used in Scamming Mobile Money (MOMO) Agents
Investigators revealed the clever methods used by Akimana, the mastermind behind the fraudulent scams targeting Mobile Money (MTN MOMO) agents. Akimana would send accomplice Niyonagize to agents claiming he lacked a registered MOMO account to receive money from a supposed sender—Akimana himself. Niyonagize would convince the agent to process the transaction using their own account.
Once the agent completed the transfer and handed over the cash, Akimana would swiftly report his phone and funds stolen to MTN and the RIB, falsely claiming theft.
MTN would then freeze the funds and reimburse Akimana as part of their policy to assist victims of phone theft. However, since Niyonagize already withdrew the money from the agent, Akimana effectively received the money twice, creating significant financial losses for MOMO agents.
Another fraudulent approach involved scammers personally withdrawing money from agents and later reporting their phone as stolen to MTN, requesting account suspension. As a result, MTN would freeze the funds and initiate investigations based on the false theft complaints, again reimbursing the scammer’s "lost" funds.
How MOMO Agents Can Protect Themselves
RIB Spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry stressed the necessity for MOMO agents to follow regulations requiring them to document identification details of customers. He explained: “If a MOMO agent fails to record the customer information when processing deposits or withdrawals, it becomes difficult to prove the rightful owner completed the service using their phone. Recording identities is a crucial step to preventing financial fraud.”
The investigation uncovered a pattern in the scams, showing that the group carried out this scheme repeatedly, stealing over 1,000,000 Rwandan Francs across different locations. Complaint reviews conducted at several RIB stations highlighted similar tactics used and identified Akimana as the common perpetrator.
Inside the Operation: Collaboration and Deception
Dr. Murangira shared insights into Akimana’s strategy. He often used his phone numbers and those registered under his wife to execute the fraud. By directing Niyonagize to agents far from his residence, Akimana ensured minimal chance of recognition. Post-transactions, the stolen funds were shared among the group, which included his wife. Uwimbabazi also replicated the deceptive method by filing fraudulent complaints about her supposedly stolen phone.
Authorities Take a Stand
RIB has issued stern warnings against engaging in fraud and called on individuals to pursue lawful livelihoods. "This bureau remains committed to identifying and prosecuting scammers, no matter how elaborate their schemes might seem," assured Dr. Murangira.
He emphasized that scammers believing their sophistry could shield them from legal action are deeply mistaken. Instead, seeking legitimate sources of income should be prioritized.
Legal Implications for the Suspects:
- Fraudulently obtaining another’s property through deception is punishable by 2-3 years imprisonment and fines of 3,000,000–5,000,000 Rwandan Francs.
- Filing false complaints is punishable by 2-6 months imprisonment and a fine ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 Rwandan Francs.
- Forgery, alteration, or use of false documentation incurs 5-7 years imprisonment and fines of 3,000,000–5,000,000 Rwandan Francs.
Currently, Akimana and Niyonagize remain detained at Gacurabwenge RIB station, while Uwimbabazi is under investigation but not detained. Their case files have been submitted to the Prosecutor's Office.
Following this series of arrests, RIB has urged Mobile Money agents to enhance vigilance, comply with customer identification procedures, and proactively take steps to prevent similar fraudulent incidents.