Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Rwanda National Police have paraded government officials arrested over their alleged role in the production and circulation of illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages.

Among those presented are 10 officials from Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), including Prof. Emile Bienvenu, alongside 18 other suspects, some of whom are officials from Rwanda Standards Board (RSB).

The arrests mark a significant expansion of investigations into the illicit alcohol scandal, moving beyond manufacturers and traders to officials responsible for regulation, inspection and enforcement.

RIB said more than 100 people have so far been arrested in connection with the production and distribution of substandard alcoholic beverages. The suspects also include local government officials, among them sector executive secretaries and cell-level SEDOs.

Those arrested remain suspects as investigations continue, and their criminal responsibility will be determined through the judicial process.

More details to follow.