Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) was established by law Nº12/2017 of 07/04/2017 which gives it mandate to perform career criminal investigative functions. This mandate was formerly under the responsibility of the Rwanda National Police - Criminal Investigation Department since its establishment in 2000.

On 09th April 2018, His Excellency Paul KAGAME, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, appointed the first and current RIB Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General.

On 18th April 2018, Rwanda National Police (RNP) formally handed over criminal investigation responsibilities to Rwanda Investigation Bureau in an event that was presided over by the Minister of Justice/Attorney General.