Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU) has arrested a top security company director in connection with a massive Shs 9 billion gold scam targeting an Indian investor. The arrested director has been identified as Male Patrick, who heads HOWKS Security Company located in Muyenga, near International Hospital Kampala (IHK). The victim, an Indian national named Kandamkavinal Thomas Kosh, reportedly lost his money after being lured into the fraudulent gold deal.
According to sources, the scam began when Mr. Thomas Kosh contacted a man known as Summy, who is currently at large, to supply 200 kilograms of gold for export to Dubai through his company, AVRUS Traders Limited, also based in Muyenga. Summy allegedly involved Male Patrick, asking him to use his security company for transporting, melting, and storing the gold until it reached Dubai.
The scheme also involved a Congolese man named Allen, who reportedly delivered 600 kilograms of gold to Male Patrick for storage, melting, and transportation. Investigations revealed that even at the time of the arrests, Allen’s gold was still in the possession of HOWKS Security Company.
The defrauded investor filed a complaint at Entebbe Police Station, citing obtaining money by false pretence under PMPU CRB 093/2025. Police investigations following the complaint have led to the arrests of over eight suspects linked to the scam. Sources reveal that the scammers initially convinced the victim that his gold had been loaded onto trucks bound for Entebbe International Airport for cargo shipment to Dubai.
However, the victim and his team followed the truck to the airport, only to see it leave without offloading the gold. They tracked the vehicle to Kitolo in Entebbe Town, where the driver sensed danger, reversed the truck, and returned to the airport, abandoning the vehicle. Upon inspection, the investor discovered the cargo contained fake gold bars instead of real gold.
Police have since recovered 190 bars of counterfeit gold and the vehicle used to transport it. The investigation has implicated several individuals, including some UPDF officers, police personnel, and airport officials at the Entebbe Cargo Terminal, suggesting a wider network of collusion.
Sources further revealed that even at the time of the arrests, the scammers were demanding an additional USD 5 million from the victim. The elaborate scheme involved multiple layers, including recruitment of trusted security personnel, manipulation of airport logistics, and coordination with accomplices to defraud the investor.
Male Patrick remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in high-value commodity deals, and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
The case underscores ongoing challenges in combating fraud and the critical role of inter-agency coordination, including the Police Mineral Protection Unit, airport security, and investigative teams, to protect investors and uphold the rule of law.
