Private Notary and Six Others Arrested in Alleged RWF15 Million Land Fraud Scheme

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested a private notary and six other suspects in connection with an alleged land fraud operation involving forged documents and illegal property transactions in Rubavu District.

The suspects include private notary Imanirakiza Issa Naphtal, alongside Nkundimana Tharcisse, Nsabimana Straton, Harerimana Jean Paul, Mukeshimana Marie Louise, Ndagijimana Daniel, and Ndagijimana Jean.

Sources from IGIHE newspaper says that According to RIB, preliminary investigations indicate that the group operated as an organized network, with members allegedly impersonating landowners, relatives, and brokers in order to facilitate the fraudulent sale of property. Authorities say the notary played a key role by authenticating and validating the disputed land transfer documents.

The land in question, located in Rugerero Sector, Gisa Cell, Shwemu Village in Rubavu District, is estimated to be worth around RWF15 million. Investigators allege that after completing the transaction, the suspects shared the proceeds among themselves.

RIB further revealed that one of the accused, Nsabimana Straton, had previously been granted provisional release earlier this year in a separate fraud case. He was reportedly under investigation over allegations of stealing money from fuel stations through fraudulent mobile money transactions.

The case file has been forwarded to prosecutors as investigations continue.

The suspects are being investigated for multiple offenses, including fraud, forgery, use of forged documents, participation in a criminal group, and unlawfully selling property belonging to another person. If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from one to 10 years.

In a statement, RIB warned individuals involved in fraudulent land dealings and document forgery that such crimes will continue to face strict legal action. The bureau also urged private notaries to respect the professional responsibilities entrusted to them and avoid misusing their legal authority for personal benefit.