7 Congolese, Ugandans Nabbed for Defrauding Nigerian Businessman of $70,000 in Fake Gold Deal
Uganda’s anti-corruption unit arrests seven over fake gold scam defrauding Nigerian businessman of USD 70,000.
Officials recover 150kg of counterfeit gold, warn investors against rising fraud targeting foreign buyers.
Uganda’s State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate, has taken seven people into custody over allegations they defrauded a Nigerian businessman of $70,000 in a sophisticated fake gold deal.
The suspects, identified as Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Mabwongo Prince, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome, and Tibasiima Barbra (also known as Katushabe Sharon), consist of four Congolese nationals and three Ugandans. They allegedly posed as agents and suppliers for two firms, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited, convincing the victim, Mr. Mark Gbillah, that they could deliver seven kilograms of gold. Investigators later confirmed that neither company
Addressing the press on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Parliamentary Building in Kampala, SH-ACU senior officer Bamwiine Muhorozi explained that the arrests were made after Mr. Gbillah reported the scam.
“We worked with Mr. Gbillah to arrange a controlled meeting with the suspects, which led to their capture before they could solicit additional funds,” Muhorozi said.
A search of the suspects’ rented property in Muyenga uncovered approximately 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets, allegedly used to convince potential buyers of the deal’s authenticity.
Muhorozi emphasized that this case was notable because the suspects were apprehended in the act. He urged investors to conduct thorough due diligence and verify transactions with relevant authorities before making payments, while also encouraging prompt reporting of suspicious dealings.
The seven suspects are expected to be charged in court in the coming days.
