Ugandan security agencies have arrested 16 people accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fake gold scam targeting a businessman from Dubai.
The case dates back to July 2025, when the businessman lodged a complaint alleging that Asiimwe Moses and his accomplices, operating under Real Sunnex Ltd, had fraudulently obtained USD 4 million from him in a purported gold transaction.
According to police, further engagement with the complainant revealed that the suspects were allegedly preparing to defraud him of another USD 4 million under similar fraudulent pretences.
Acting on the intelligence, joint security teams reportedly mounted an operation that resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects, including Asiimwe Moses, identified as the prime suspect.
Those arrested are Mibenge Rogers, Kiwanuka Edward, Kajubi Geofrey, Songole Thiery, Ajambo Bright, Mayuku Glody Mata, Nakahosa Soleina, Masaba William, Walusimbi Joseph, Ampurire Anitah, Amani Patrick, Mugoya Christian, Kagarura Dicken, Leta Grace and Mbasa Taboma.
During the operation, security personnel recovered several exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged fraud, including suspected fake gold, incriminating documents and eight motor vehicles allegedly used to facilitate the operation.
Four police officers implicated
Investigations have also implicated four Uganda Police Force officers, who allegedly abandoned their official duties and deployed themselves to guard the suspects at an illegal gold refinery where the fraudulent transactions were reportedly being facilitated.
The officers have been identified as:
- PC Kulutu Ayubu
- PC Emorut Razak
- PC Waiswa Benon
- PC Waiswa Siraj
According to the findings, the four officers allegedly withdrew from their respective beats without authorisation and self-deployed in support of the suspected gold fraud syndicate.
Their alleged involvement has been described as a serious breach of police discipline and professional conduct, particularly given their responsibility to prevent crime rather than facilitate an alleged criminal enterprise.
The suspects remain subject to ongoing investigations, and authorities are expected to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, the role of each suspect and how the police officers became involved.
The case also highlights growing concerns over fraudulent gold deals in Uganda, where criminals have been accused of using fake gold, forged documentation and purported gold-refining operations to target foreign investors and buyers.
