Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) has issued a strong warning to individuals, media platforms, social media influencers, and public figures involved in promoting fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting citizens.
The warning was delivered by RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry B. Murangira during the television program “Imbonankubone, Ukuri Imbere Yawe,” aired on BTN TV on June 28, 2026. He expressed concern over the growing number of advertisements and public campaigns that encourage citizens to engage with questionable businesses and recruitment offers.
According to Dr. Murangira, one of the most worrying trends involves individuals who claim they can facilitate travel opportunities, jobs, or migration to countries such as Canada and the United States. These campaigns often rely on influential social media personalities with large followings to attract crowds and gain credibility.
He stated: “There is an expression used by social media users called ‘Kwitereka’ (positioning oneself/promoting), where they advertise and call upon people saying, ‘Come, there are people from such-and-such a place who are going to help you go to Canada and America.’ This is done by someone followed by very many people, exceeding hundreds of thousands, and in the morning you find people crowding the venue.”
RIB believes that such promotions can expose citizens to financial fraud, false promises, and other forms of deception. Authorities are particularly concerned about cases where trust in celebrities or online influencers is used to convince people to pay money for services that may never materialize.
The agency also warned against advertisements promoting herbal products and other remedies that claim to cure chronic illnesses, infertility, sexual health problems, or a wide range of medical conditions without scientific approval or regulatory authorization.
In recent years, various products have been aggressively marketed through traditional and digital media, with some sellers promising miracle cures, wealth-enhancing solutions, love charms, or instant life-changing results. RIB argues that such claims can mislead the public and cause significant financial and social harm.
Dr. Murangira emphasized that responsibility does not rest solely with those selling these products or services. Individuals and platforms that provide advertising space or publicity for such activities may also face consequences under the law.
He stressed that freedom of expression and commercial promotion should not be used in ways that mislead citizens or threaten public welfare. Those who continue to ignore repeated warnings from authorities risk prosecution.
The warning comes amid ongoing concerns about the spread of misleading health and migration-related advertisements across radio stations, television channels, social media platforms, and public gatherings.
RIB’s position aligns with existing regulations from Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. In July 2022, the Ministry reminded the public that medical services, treatments, and healthcare-related products cannot be advertised without prior authorization from the relevant authorities.
The ministry’s guidance is based on Ministerial Instructions No. 20/0004 of January 9, 2019, which prohibit the advertisement of medicines, healthcare services, and related promotional activities without official approval.
As digital platforms continue to expand their reach, authorities believe that public awareness and responsible communication will be essential in combating fraud and protecting citizens from deceptive schemes.
RIB has therefore urged the public to carefully verify any claims involving miracle cures, quick wealth, or guaranteed opportunities abroad before committing money or personal information.
The bureau maintains that cooperation between citizens, media organizations, influencers, and law enforcement agencies remains critical in preventing fraud and ensuring that public communication serves the interests of society rather than those seeking to exploit it.
