Kirehe: Man arrested for smuggling car parts and tax evasion

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Rwanda National Police, in collaboration with the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), intercepted a truck at the Rusumo border in Kirehe District, transporting 300 cartons containing car parts, charcoal, shoes, and skin lotions.

Among the seized items were skin-damaging lotions, known as “Mukologo,” along with other products, including charcoal, which were being smuggled to evade taxes on the car parts.

The truck driver, who was coming from Tanzania, was arrested after it was revealed that he was illegally transporting charcoal in an attempt to avoid paying taxes on car parts worth 77 million Rwandan Francs.

Two individuals were arrested: the driver and the owner of the charcoal. Investigations revealed that the owner was also bringing in other car parts into Kigali through illegal means.

Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Deputy Commissioner of Taxpayer Services and Communication at RRA, stated that the goods should have been taxed a total of 77 million Rwf. He emphasized that the seizure was a result of strong cooperation between security agencies, and that this is not an isolated case—recently, two tons of second-hand clothes were also seized for being smuggled into the country.

Rwanda National Police Spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, emphasized that smuggling undermines national security and economic development. He added that RNP has set up a dedicated unit to combat tax evasion and illegal trade.

Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Spokesperson, Dr. Thierry Murangira, confirmed that the cases of the driver and the owner have been referred to the public prosecutor. He reminded those involved in smuggling that they face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and fines of up to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods, which would have been taxed.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of tax evasion through illegal trade, a practice that undermines the country’s revenue collection efforts and economic growth.