Forgery, tax evasion among offences uncovered in illicit alcohol crackdown

Illegal alcohol producers are facing charges including forgery, tax evasion and defying government orders as authorities continue a nationwide crackdown on businesses accused of manufacturing and distributing illicit alcoholic beverages.

The crackdown follows a series of enforcement operations by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), which has closed more than 100 facilities and revoked manufacturing licences over concerns related to public health risks and failure to comply with regulatory requirements.

Dr B. Murangira Thierry, the spokesperson of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, said investigations had uncovered multiple offences among some illicit alcohol producers, including forgery, tax evasion, resisting authorities and producing harmful products. “These are offences that have continued to emerge, and we will not stop until activities that serve the interests of Rwandans are prioritised,” he said.

Murangira said some individuals had been found forging S Marks and using fake Rwanda Revenue Authority stamps to make their products appear legitimate. If convicted, offenders could face between five and seven years in prison and fines ranging from Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million.

He added that some operators had continued their activities after being closed by authorities, an offence considered resistance to government instructions. Under Article 230, those convicted may face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year.

Tax evasion has also been identified among the offences linked to illicit alcohol businesses. Murangira said individuals convicted of tax evasion under Article 276 could face imprisonment of between two and five years.

He further said producing alcoholic beverages capable of harming consumers is punishable under Article 115 of the law determining offences and penalties in general. Offenders may face imprisonment ranging from two to three years and fines between Rwf200,000 and Rwf300,000, while cases involving serious bodily harm attract heavier penalties.

Authorities said 61 people have so far been arrested in connection with illicit alcohol production and distribution, adding that enforcement operations will continue against individuals and businesses operating outside regulatory requirements.

By Elisa Uwineza