Written By |
A group of scammers arretsed by Statehouse Anti-corruption Unit
Search
Kampala
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arrested seven people over allegations of defrauding a Nigerian businessman in a fake gold deal worth USD 70,000. Addressing the press at the Unit’s offices in the President’s Office at the Parliamentary Building, Senior Officer Mr. Bamwiine Muhorozi said the suspects conned Mr. Mark Gbillah after claiming they could supply him with seven kilograms of gold through their companies — Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited — which, in reality, had no gold to sell.
Mr. Mark Gbillah seconda from right was scammed $70,000
The suspects have been identified as: Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, purported gold seller, Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, purported clearing agent for Legacy Refinery Company, Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, purported agent at Legacy Refinery Company Limited, Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, purported gold smelter, Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, purported gold seller from Congo, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd and Tibasiima Barbra, alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
According to Mr. Bamwiine, the arrests followed a prompt report by the victim, which enabled the Unit to set up a controlled meeting with the suspects. The sting operation led to their capture before they could extort more money. A search of the suspects’ rented premises in Muyenga uncovered about 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets. “This is not the first gold scam we have intercepted, but this one is significant because the suspects were caught in the act, saving other potential victims from losing money,” Mr. Bamwiine said.
He urged investors and the public to verify all business dealings with relevant authorities and report any suspicious activities to prevent falling prey to such schemes. The suspects are expected to appear in court to face charges.
Torch Media Africa
