Seven Arrested in Fake Gold Scam That Defrauded Nigerian Businessman of $70,000
Kampala, Uganda – The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arrested seven individuals for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian businessman in a fake gold scam.
At a press briefing held at the SH-ACU offices in the Parliamentary Building, Senior Officer Mr. Bamwiine Muhorozi disclosed that the suspects deceived Mr. Mark Gbillah, a Nigerian investor, into paying $70,000 for seven kilograms of gold that did not exist. The fraudsters operated under two companies—Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited—which falsely claimed to deal in gold trade.
Suspects in Custody
The arrested individuals include:
- Paluku Kisasi (Congolese) – Alleged gold seller
- Safari Akonkwa (Congolese) – Purported clearing agent for Legacy Refinery Company
- Isaac Mpende (Congolese) – Alleged agent at Legacy Refinery Company Limited
- Abdul Madjid Kahirima (Ugandan) – Fake gold smelter
- Mabwongo Prince (Congolese) – Claimed to be a gold supplier from Congo
- Kajjubi Tevin Kyome (Ugandan) – Representative of Emerod Co. Ltd
- Tibasiima Barbra (alias Katushabe Sharon, Ugandan) – Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd
How the Scam Was Uncovered
According to Mr. Bamwiine, the victim, Mr. Gbillah, reported the fraud to authorities, prompting a coordinated operation. The SH-ACU set up a controlled meeting with the suspects, leading to their arrest before they could extort more money.
A subsequent search of their rented premises in Muyenga uncovered 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets used to deceive victims.
Warning to the Public
Mr. Bamwiine noted that this was not the first gold scam intercepted by the Unit but emphasized the significance of this arrest as the suspects were caught in the act, preventing further losses.
He urged investors and the public to verify business deals with relevant authorities and report suspicious activities to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The suspects are set to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
#StopGoldScams #SHACUAlert #FakeGoldFraud
