The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in Uganda has arrested seven individuals for allegedly defrauding Nigerian businessman Mark Gbillah of $70,000 in a fake gold transaction.
Senior Officer Bamwiine Muhorozi told reporters at the SH-ACU offices in the Parliamentary Building that the suspects convinced Gbillah they could supply seven kilograms of gold through their companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. Investigations later revealed the firms had no gold to sell.
Those arrested 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). They allegedly posed as gold sellers, clearing agents, company representatives, and a secretary to carry out the scam.
According to Bamwiine, the arrests were made possible after Gbillah swiftly reported the matter, enabling a controlled meeting with the suspects that led to their capture before they could extort additional funds.
A search of the suspects’ rented premises in Muyenga, Kampala, uncovered about 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets allegedly used to deceive multiple potential victims.
Bamwiine noted that while similar scams had been intercepted before, this case was significant because the suspects were caught in the act. He urged investors to conduct due diligence and verify with relevant authorities before engaging in business deals.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court in the coming days.
