Rwanda National Public Prosecution Authority: Prosecutes 78 Suspects in Illicit Alcohol Crackdown

• 78 suspects arrested in connection with illicit alcohol crackdown have been forwarded to prosecution.
• More than 140 companies have been closed and hundreds of alcohol brands recalled since August 2.
• Health officials report over 50 deaths and 100 cases of permanent vision loss due to consumption of illicit alcoholic beverages.

The suspects are facing allegations in connection with administering to another person a substance that may cause death or seriously alter the person's health, as well as forgery and use of forged documents, embezzlement and non-compliance with authority.

The National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) has received files of 78 suspects arrested in connection with the crackdown on illicit and non-compliant alcoholic beverages. This marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the production and distribution of substandard products. The suspects' files were handed over to the prosecution on Monday, August 10, as authorities continue to take enforcement measures against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers suspected of producing or selling non-compliant products.

Several high-profile individuals have been implicated in the illicit alcohol cases. These include Samuel Ntihanabayo, former CEO of Ingufu Gin Ltd, which has been shut down; Fulgence Twahirwa, a former quality controller at Ingufu Gin Ltd; and Donias Katushabe, former production manager at the same company. Other suspects include Oluwatosin Ajayi, former operations manager at Kerry Taste & Nutrition Rwanda Ltd; Belinda Kayihura Mudahogora, former site and production manager at Kerry Taste & Nutrition Rwanda Ltd; and Alpha Peter Hamuduni, former supply chain manager at the same company.

The crackdown on illicit alcohol follows growing concern over the health consequences associated with the consumption of such products. Health officials have reported that more than 50 people have died since the beginning of 2026, and over 100 others have lost their sight after consuming illicit alcoholic beverages. Additionally, more than 500 people have sought medical treatment due to the adverse effects of these products.

Lawyers should watch for the potential impact on clients in the alcoholic beverage industry, including those involved in production and distribution, as authorities continue to crack down on non-compliant products.

Source: Original reporting via New Times