Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Unit Cracks Down on Cross-Border Fake Gold Syndicate
A major gold scam targeting a Nigerian businessman has been foiled by Uganda’s State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
Seven suspects, including four Congolese and three Ugandan nationals, were arrested in Kampala after allegedly defrauding investor Mark Gbillah of USD 70,000 in a bogus gold deal.
The suspects identified as Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Mabwongo Prince, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome, and Tibasiima Barbra (alias Katushabe Sharon) are accused of posing as agents for Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited.
They allegedly promised to supply seven kilograms of gold, which turned out to be non-existent.
Senior SH-ACU officer Bamwiine Muhorozi told reporters that the arrests followed a tip-off from the victim.
“We worked with Mr. Gbillah to set up a controlled meeting with the suspects, leading to their arrest before they could solicit more money,” he said.
During a search of the suspects’ rented premises in Muyenga, authorities seized about 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation nuggets.
According to investigators, these props were used to convince unsuspecting buyers that genuine gold was available for purchase.
The arrests highlight a disturbing increase in gold-related fraud targeting foreign investors.
Earlier this year, a Turkish businessman lost about USD 150,000 in a similar scam, while in 2024, another investor was defrauded of USD 105,000 in a deal involving 20 kilograms of fake gold.
Regional statistics paint an even grimmer picture. Between early 2021 and March 2022, gold scams in Uganda and Kenya cost investors an estimated USD 25 million, with some individual cases exceeding USD 8 million.
Mr. Bamwiine emphasized that while SH-ACU has intercepted multiple gold fraud cases in recent years, this case was significant because suspects were caught during the act.
“We urge investors to verify business transactions with relevant authorities and report suspicious dealings promptly,” he added.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged in court in the coming days.
Meanwhile, authorities say this crackdown serves as a warning to syndicates exploiting Uganda’s gold trade for fraudulent activities.
