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Arrested: Some of the fraudsters who posed as officials from the Ministry of Energy
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Kampala
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has successfully thwarted a high-stakes fraud scheme targeting a Turkish investor in a fake Ministry of Energy procurement deal worth USD 4,952,000. During a press briefing held earlier today, Mr. Israel Ochwo, the Deputy Head of SH-ACU, revealed that the Unit, working closely with the intended victim, Mr. Furkan Gumran, intercepted the scam before any financial losses occurred.
Mr. Gumran, representing SIRUS BLUE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING CO. LTD, had been approached by a group of fraudsters who posed as officials from the Ministry of Energy. The conmen claimed to have awarded his company a lucrative government contract to supply AD BLUE, a chemical used in reducing carbon emissions in automotive engines. The suspects presented forged documents and false credentials to lure the investor into releasing nearly USD 5 million. However, Mr. Gumran, suspicious of the deal, sought clarification from relevant authorities before making any payments.
“Mr. Gumran’s vigilance and cooperation with our Unit were instrumental in exposing the scam. His prudent decision to verify the deal saved him and his company from a major financial loss,” Mr. Ochwo stated.
With Mr. Gumran's assistance, SH-ACU coordinated a controlled meeting with the suspects at AHA Towers in Kampala, which culminated in their arrest.
Those apprehended and their alleged roles include:
Mr. Ochwo further issued a strong appeal to all foreign investors to exercise due diligence and always verify the authenticity of any government-linked business proposals through SH-ACU or its counterpart, the State House Investors Protection Unit (SH-IPU).
“These scams tarnish the image of our country and put legitimate investment at risk. We encourage every investor to report any suspicious engagements immediately,” he emphasized.
Additionally, SH-ACU is calling for public assistance in locating Ssekidde Lubowa Godfrey, also known by the alias Maj Gen. Sam Kiwanuka, who remains at large. He is wanted in connection with another high-level fraud case in which he allegedly defrauded Sidari Limited (Kenya) of USD 197,670 using forged documents purportedly from the Office of the President and the Bank of Uganda.
The Unit reaffirmed its commitment to protecting investors and eliminating corruption that undermines confidence in Uganda’s investment environment.
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