KAMPALA, UGANDA — Ugandan police have recovered 900 million shillings ($240,000) from 56 suspects involved in a series of gold scams targeting investors. The Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU) reported that the money was recovered over a seven-month period, following the reporting of 50 cases since January.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ceaser Tusingwire announced the results at a news briefing in Kampala, stating that the unit has shut down several illegal refineries and disrupted scam operations often staged in Airbnb apartments and various offices.
“These efforts have resulted in arrests and prosecutions of offenders involved in mineral-related crimes, as well as recovery of valuable assets including money and motor vehicles,” Tusingwire said. He also noted that smuggling and illegal mining of minerals like gold, tin, and iron ore have become prevalent crimes.
According to the PMPU report, 10 of the 50 reported cases were cyber-related, where victims were deceived through fake online gold trading websites. Investigators described this form of cybercrime as more complex, often involving large-scale organized crime networks with fake companies, unlicensed accountants, and foreign nationals.
In a statement, Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, urged investors to report scams to authorities and to perform due diligence through the State House Investors Protection Portal before engaging in any transactions.
Investigators say these scams can take months to execute. The criminal cartels assist victims in obtaining essential documents, such as company registration and licenses from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, to create a sense of legitimacy.
An anonymous investigator revealed that victims are often complicit in illegal activities, such as money laundering, which makes them hesitant to report the crimes.
Edgar Ssebagala, an inspector with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, reminded the public that individuals and businesses must comply with existing mining laws. The ministry has the authority to revoke licenses from companies involved in mineral-related offenses.
