The Ugandan police have arrested seven foreign nationals — four from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and three from Uganda — for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian Member of Parliament and investor of $70,000 (about Shs270 million) in a fake gold transaction.
The arrests were made during a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in the Kampala suburbs of Muyenga and Bukasa, following a tip-off from the Nigerian High Commission.
The suspects have been identified as Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, and Mabwongo Prince — all Congolese nationals — alongside Ugandans Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome, and Tibasiima Barbra alias Katushabe Sharon.
Investigators say the scam unfolded in two stages. On July 15, Emerode Agency Ltd allegedly promised to supply the MP with 3 kilograms of gold for $30,000, but no delivery was made.
Undeterred, the investor later engaged Legacy Refinery Company Limited for an additional 4 kilograms, paying $40,000 — again, with no gold provided.
According to reports, the police say the suspects have since confessed to running fake gold sales “for some time.”
Authorities commeded the Nigerian High Commission for its intelligence support, which they described as critical to the success of the operation.
However, the Ugandan police have since warned of a rise in gold-related scams and urged the public — especially foreign investors to verify companies and individuals before engaging in precious metal transactions.
“We caution all investors to conduct proper due diligence. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and costly,” said a CID spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
