Africa-Press – Rwanda. Between July 2021 and June 2024, fraudulent companies swindled Rwf215,341,000 from Rwandan by promising them job opportunities, scholarships abroad and visas, according to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said there was growing concern about fraudsters offering overseas opportunities and asking money from people on false promises of greener pastures.
“From July 2021 to June 2024, investigations were conducted into 52 cases involving 63 suspects who committed fraud by promising jobs, scholarships, and visas,” Murangira said.
Up to Rwf200 million was stolen through such cases.
“A total of 111 victims reported being promised jobs, scholarships abroad, and visas. They were lured by the offer of high-paying jobs, which led them to impulsive decisions. These people were asked to pay substantial sums of money,” he said
Murangira said that the scammers mostly targeted people by promising jobs in various countries, with Poland accounting for 48 per cent of the cases, Canada 35 per cent, the USA 8 per cent, China 3 per cent, and Italy 2 per cent.
There were also cases involving false promises of scholarships in Rwanda, Australia, Norway, Germany, and Russia.
“All of these people paid significant amounts of money. On average, each victim paid Rwf1.94 million, with some paying as much as Rwf3 million. This particularly affected those who were promised scholarships, as some of them were asked to pay $3,000 for transport, visa fees, and admission. Without thinking twice, they made the payment,” said Murangira.
Murangira named the companies involved in these fraudulent activities, with the most prominent being Penda Africa Smart Service, which is owned by one Jean Claude Rubayita.
Others included Win of Destiny, Gate for Connection, Educate Group, Center for Education Network, Be Mirror Empire, Reliable Fast Trading Company, Medisia, Fox Novel Travel and Tours, Study Link Rwanda, Study Abroad Home and Oversees.
These companies are now facing legal action for the allegations of defrauding people.
“It is heartbreaking to hand over your $3,000 to them, only for them to take it and laugh at you,” Murangira said. “As RIB, we will not tolerate such activities.”
He explained that these companies register with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) but then operate in ways that differ from what they were authorised to do, using their registration certificates to convince people of their reliability.
“Others engage in fraudulent practices, even if their operations appear to align with their registered purposes,” he added
“Our message to those involved in these illegal activities is clear. RIB will not tolerate them. We have the capability, the determination, and the cooperation of the general public. These criminals will not defeat us,” Murangira said.
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