RIB Arrests Six Suspects in Car Theft Scheme Involving Fake Documents

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has apprehended six individuals suspected of stealing cars using deceptive tactics. The suspects would convince car owners to lease their vehicles, only to abscond with them and later sell them using forged documents.

While investigations to capture all those involved are still ongoing, six young men have been arrested, and four stolen cars, valued between Rwf 15 million and Rwf 20 million, have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

The arrests were made in Nyamagabe, Kayonza, and Gicumbi districts, and the suspects are currently detained at RIB stations in Nyamirambo and Nyarugenge. Their case files have been processed and forwarded to the prosecution.

The group is accused of fabricating identification documents, including ID cards and ‘carte jaune’ insurance documents, which they used to sell the stolen cars.

Among those arrested are the document forgers, two masterminds who altered their identities to carry out the thefts, an individual responsible for leasing the cars using false names, another who facilitated the sale agreements, and one tasked with finding buyers for the stolen vehicles.

All suspects are charged with three crimes: organizing or participating in a criminal gang, obtaining another person’s property through fraud, and forgery or the use of forged documents. These crimes are punishable by imprisonment ranging from two to ten years.

Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, the spokesperson for RIB, cautioned car owners to be vigilant when leasing their vehicles, advising them to verify the identity of the lessee thoroughly before handing over their cars.

He noted that fake IDs have been used in several cases, and urged vehicle owners to take precautions.

“Before allowing someone to take your car, ensure you know who they are, verify their residence, and check their documents carefully. Remember, you have the right to inspect them because the car belongs to you,” Dr. Murangira said.

He also urged car buyers to be cautious, citing the losses incurred by those who unknowingly bought the four stolen vehicles. “Those who purchased these cars have suffered losses. Avoid such losses by taking the time to verify, including checking with the Rwanda Revenue Authority to confirm the vehicle’s ownership.”

Dr. Murangira emphasized that the government provides various opportunities for people to create legitimate businesses, and citizens should take advantage of these instead of engaging in illegal activities, as RIB will continue to identify and prosecute those involved in such crimes.

He also encouraged anyone who suspects their car may have been stolen to report to RIB and advised those who lent out their vehicles to verify whether they have been sold without their knowledge.

One of the victims, Masengesho Jean Bosco from Nyarugunga Sector, Kicukiro District, was tricked into leasing his 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, worth Rwf 15 million. The car was supposed to be leased for four days, but two days later, RIB contacted him to ask if he still had the car.

He told them it was with someone else, only to be informed that it had been found being sold in Musebeya Sector, Nyamagabe District. Fortunately, the car was returned to him.

Another victim, Gatete Peter from Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District, had his 2008 Toyota RAV4, worth Rwf 23 million, stolen under similar circumstances.

He had leased the car for five days, but the lessee kept delaying its return and eventually stopped responding to calls. With the help of GPS tracking, Gatete located his car in Musebeya Sector, Nyamagabe District, and RIB successfully recovered it.

Seneza Olivier, from Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, was another victim. His 2006 Toyota RAV4, valued at Rwf 16 million, was stolen after being leased under false pretenses. He later discovered that the car had been sold in Gicumbi District, but the buyer had fled.

All of the victims were promised Rwf 50,000 per day in lease payments. They expressed gratitude to RIB for recovering their vehicles, as they were unaware their cars had been stolen and believed they had little chance of getting them back.

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