Bsafe Security Director Charged in $49,500 Fake Gold Export Scheme
KAMPALA – The director of a Ugandan security company appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court this week, facing multiple criminal charges for his alleged role in an elaborate fake gold scheme that defrauded a Kenyan investor of nearly $50,000 .
Robert Mukundane, a director of Bsafe Security Systems, was charged with Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Forgery, Uttering False Documents, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony following a collaborative investigation by Uganda’s State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) .
The Charges
· Obtaining Money by False Pretence: Falsely claiming funds were for gold export documentation
· Forgery: Creating counterfeit export permits and clearance papers
· Uttering False Documents: Knowingly using forged documents as genuine
· Conspiracy to Commit a Felony: Planning with others to execute the fraudulent scheme
The Elaborate Scheme
According to court documents, between March and July 2025, Mukundane and several accomplices who remain at large orchestrated a sophisticated fraud targeting Kenyan businessman Muruiki Haron Gatiji . The group allegedly convinced Gatiji that they could facilitate the export of 200 kilograms of gold from Kampala to Dubai .
The suspects presented the Kenyan investor with what appeared to be legitimate export documentation, including forged export permits and clearance papers purportedly issued by Ugandan regulatory bodies . They persuaded Gatiji to remit USD 49,500 (approximately UGX 188 million) under the pretext that the funds were necessary to cover clearing, documentation, and export logistics for the substantial gold consignment .
“After receiving the funds, the group reportedly disappeared and ceased all communication with the victim,” authorities confirmed in a statement about the case .
Investigation and Ongoing Manhunt
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit confirmed Mukundane’s arrest via social media, reaffirming its commitment to combating cross-border financial crimes and protecting the integrity of Uganda’s investment environment .
The collaborative investigation between SHACU, CID, and the ODPP led to Mukundane’s apprehension and court appearance . However, investigators continue to track down his accomplices who remain at large .
The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court is overseeing the proceedings as the case continues to unfold . If convicted, Mukundane faces a potential prison sentence under Uganda’s Penal Code for offences related to fraud and conspiracy .
A Growing Pattern of Fraud
This case highlights what authorities describe as an increasing trend of fake gold and mineral export scams in Uganda, often targeting foreign investors through sophisticated syndicates . These criminal operations typically use forged export documents and fake companies to solicit funds from international victims .
“Uganda has in recent years witnessed an increase in fake gold and mineral export scams, often targeting foreign investors through sophisticated syndicates,” noted one investigative report on the case .
Authorities have urged potential investors to verify all mineral dealings with the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) and the Bank of Uganda before engaging in cross-border transactions to avoid falling victim to similar schemes .
The case continues before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court as investigators work to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the international fraud scheme .
About The Author
