Nigerian Businessman Loses $70,000 in Fake Gold Scam in Kampala – Seven Arrested
In a case that has captured public attention, Ugandan police have arrested seven people accused of defrauding Nigerian businessman Mark Gbillah of US $70,000 in a bogus gold deal. The arrests were made in the Kampala neighborhoods of Muyenga and Bukasa following a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), after a tip-off from the Nigerian High Commission.
The suspects are:
1. Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, purported gold seller.
2. Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, purported clearing agent for Legacy Refinery Company.
3. Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, purported agent at Legacy Refinery Company Limited.
4. Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, purported gold smelter.
5. Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, purported gold seller from Congo.
6. Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd.
7. Tibasiima Barbra, alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
Investigators revealed that the first part of the scheme took place on July 15 when Emerode Agency Ltd promised to deliver 3 kilograms of gold in exchange for $30,000. The businessman made the payment, but the gold was never delivered.
Despite the initial loss, the businessman entered a second transaction with Legacy Refinery Company Limited, agreeing to purchase 4 kilograms of gold for $40,000. Unfortunately, history repeated itself, and no gold was received.
Police reports indicate that the suspects confessed to their involvement, admitting that they had been engaging in the sale of fake gold for some time.
The intelligence that led to the arrests was credited to the Nigerian High Commission, which alerted Ugandan authorities to the fraudulent activities. Law enforcement officials have commended the collaboration, which ultimately prevented further losses and brought the perpetrators into custody.
This case highlights a growing concern over fake gold scams in Uganda. Authorities have warned the public to exercise caution when purchasing high-value commodities such as gold. Verification of sellers and due diligence in business transactions are essential steps to prevent falling victim to similar schemes.
The arrested suspects face charges in connection with the fraudulent transactions. The joint efforts of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the CID demonstrate the commitment of Ugandan law enforcement to addressing financial crimes and protecting both local and foreign investors.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the suspects were involved in other fraudulent activities and have urged the public to report any suspicious transactions.
The Nigerian businessman’s experience is a stark example of the financial and emotional toll such scams can inflict. By learning from this case, other investors can take precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
