Rwanda’s insurance sector has raised serious concerns following the exposure of an organized fraud scheme involving individuals who impersonated Mayfair Insurance and illegally sold counterfeit motorcycle insurance policies. The Association of Insurers in Rwanda (ASSAR) has strongly condemned the practice, warning the public that such activities pose both legal and safety risks to motorists across the country.
According to ASSAR, the fraudsters falsely claimed to represent Mayfair Insurance, collected money from motorcycle riders, and issued forged insurance certificates. These documents were presented as legitimate proof of coverage, yet they held no legal value and exposed unsuspecting riders to significant financial and legal danger.
The issue came to light in late 2025, after Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) officials in Kayonza District identified suspicious insurance activities. Investigators discovered that two individuals had been operating under the name of Mayfair Insurance, despite having no authorization or affiliation with the company. One suspect had established a physical office in Murundi Sector, Kayonza District, creating the appearance of a legitimate insurance outlet. He was later arrested, while a second suspect remains at large.
Similar cases were also reported in Nyamasheke District, suggesting that the fraudulent operation extended beyond a single location. In all cases, the suspects targeted motorcycle riders, commonly known as “motari,” who are required by law to carry valid insurance.
ASSAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Pamela Umutesi, described the scheme as unprecedented in its level of deception. She explained that while minor issues have previously occurred in the sector such as policyholders altering insurance dates instead of renewing coverage this was the first time criminals had gone as far as setting up fake offices, charging clients, and issuing counterfeit insurance certificates.
She emphasized that impersonating a licensed insurer and defrauding citizens is a serious criminal offense punishable under Rwandan law. ASSAR, in collaboration with Mayfair Insurance, has formally reported the matter to law enforcement authorities, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice.
To protect policyholders and improve transparency, Umutesi highlighted the role of ASSAR’s centralized insurance certification system, which has been in place since 2019. Under this system, all insurance certificates issued by licensed insurers in Rwanda are generated through ASSAR and contain scannable security features. These allow enforcement agencies, including the police, to instantly verify authenticity using a mobile phone.
Recognizing that not all citizens own smartphones, ASSAR is also preparing to introduce a USSD-based verification system. Once implemented, clients will receive a unique code from the insurer or agent. By dialing a simple shortcode, users will be able to confirm whether the insurance certificate they hold is genuine. This move is expected to significantly reduce fraud and improve public confidence in the insurance sector.
Beyond financial losses, Umutesi warned that fake insurance certificates can have devastating consequences, especially in the event of a road accident. Motorists who believe they are insured may discover too late that their coverage is invalid, leaving them personally liable for damages, medical expenses, or legal penalties.
Mayfair Insurance Managing Director Jessica Igoma confirmed that the company acted swiftly after learning about the impersonation. She said Mayfair immediately notified security agencies, the National Bank of Rwanda, and ASSAR. Of the three individuals initially linked to the fraud, two have already been arrested.
Igoma stressed that Mayfair Insurance does not provide motorcycle insurance in Rwanda, a key detail that many victims were unaware of. She urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing insurance policies and to verify both the insurer and the product being offered.
“We encourage people to be vigilant when paying for insurance certificates,” she said. “We have identified multiple locations where forged certificates were issued by individuals falsely claiming to represent Mayfair Insurance. Clients must take time to confirm the authenticity of insurance providers, especially while investigations are still ongoing.”
She further reminded customers that legitimate insurance companies operate through approved agents in areas where they do not have branches. In such cases, payments are made directly to the insurer’s official account, and agents only assist in delivering the valid insurance certificate once payment is confirmed.
Mayfair Insurance has operated in Rwanda for nearly a decade and offers a range of insurance products, including travel insurance, property insurance, corporate insurance, disaster coverage, fire insurance, and other specialized policies. The company reiterated that motorcycle insurance falls outside its product portfolio.
ASSAR also clarified a critical point for the public: Radiant Insurance is currently the only licensed insurance company providing motorcycle insurance in Rwanda. Any individual or entity claiming to offer motorcycle insurance under a different insurer’s name should be treated with suspicion.
The exposure of this fraud has prompted renewed calls for public awareness and stronger verification practices. Motorcyclists, who form a vital part of Rwanda’s transport sector, are particularly vulnerable due to the mandatory nature of insurance and the pressure to comply quickly with legal requirements.
Authorities are encouraging motorists to verify insurance certificates immediately upon receipt and to report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau continues to pursue remaining suspects, while regulatory bodies work to tighten oversight and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case serves as a reminder that while Rwanda’s insurance sector has made significant strides in regulation and digital verification, public vigilance remains essential. Fake insurance not only undermines trust in financial institutions but also places lives and livelihoods at risk.
As investigations continue, ASSAR and licensed insurers are urging citizens to rely only on verified channels, confirm insurance details before making payments, and use available verification tools to ensure their coverage is legitimate. The crackdown on fake insurance agents signals a broader commitment by regulators and law enforcement to protect consumers and uphold integrity within Rwanda’s financial system.
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