Uganda Arrests Seven Over $70,000 Fake Gold Deal Targeting Nigerian Businessman

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in Uganda, has apprehended seven individuals accused of defrauding Nigerian businessman Mark Gbillah of $70,000 in a bogus gold transaction.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Unit’s offices in the Parliamentary Building, Senior Officer Bamwiine Muhorozi explained that the suspects lured Gbillah into believing they could supply him with seven kilograms of gold through their companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. However, investigations later confirmed the firms had no gold to sell.

Those in custody include Paluku Kisasi (Congolese), Safari Akonkwa (Congolese), Isaac Mpende (Congolese), Abdul Madjid Kahirima (Ugandan), Mabwongo Prince (Congolese), Kajjubi Tevin Kyome (Ugandan), and Tibasiima Barbra, also known as Katushabe Sharon (Ugandan). Authorities said they posed as gold dealers, clearing agents, company representatives, and even a secretary to execute the elaborate scam.

Bamwiine revealed that Gbillah’s swift report to the Unit enabled officers to stage a controlled meeting with the fraudsters, leading to their arrest before they could obtain more money. “Working together, we set up a controlled meeting with the fraudsters, leading to their arrest before they could extort additional funds,” he said.

A search of the suspects’ rented property in Muyenga, Kampala, led to the recovery of approximately 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets, believed to have been used to deceive other potential victims.

According to Bamwiine, while similar scams have been intercepted before, this case was notable because the suspects were caught in the act. He urged investors and the public to carry out due diligence before committing to business deals. “Verify with the relevant authorities and continue reporting suspicious activities to safeguard yourselves from scams,” he advised.

The suspects are expected to face charges in court in the coming days.