The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arrested seven people linked to a fake gold scam that targeted a Nigerian businessman. The suspects allegedly defrauded Mr. Mark Gbillah of USD 70,000 (about UGX 260 million) after promising to supply him with seven kilograms of gold — which never existed.
During a press briefing at the Unit’s offices in the Parliamentary Building, Senior Officer Mr. Bamwiine Muhorozi revealed that the fraudsters posed as gold dealers and clearing agents for companies called Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. Investigations later showed that these companies had no real gold to sell.
Those arrested include Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Mabwongo Prince, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome, and Tibasiima Barbra alias Katushabe Sharon. They operated from rented premises in Muyenga, where police recovered about 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets.
Mr. Bamwiine explained that the breakthrough came when Mr. Gbillah quickly reported the scam to the Unit. Officers then arranged a controlled meeting with the suspects, catching them before they could demand more money. This swift action not only saved the victim from further losses but may have protected other potential targets as well.
The SH-ACU noted that gold scams are a growing problem in Uganda, often targeting foreign investors. Mr. Bamwiine urged members of the public to verify any gold transactions with the relevant authorities and to report suspicious deals before handing over money.
The seven suspects are now set to face charges in court as investigations continue.
