Congolese Nationals, Police Officers Nabbed in Shs15 Billion Gold Scam

A significant gold scam, allegedly amounting to USD 4 million (approximately Shs15 billion), has led to the arrest of sixteen suspects. Among those apprehended are Congolese businessmen operating in Uganda and four police officers.

The suspects are accused of defrauding an investor by falsely promising to deliver 2,030 kilograms of gold. Preliminary police investigations indicate that the fraud occurred between May 2025 and July 2026.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Tusingwire Ceaser, heading the Police Mineral Protection Unit, confirmed that a case of obtaining money by false pretenses has been opened and is under investigation. The complainant, identified as Castillo Paredes of ARJ Holding LLC from Dubai, reportedly met with individuals associated with Real Sunex Refinery Ltd in Kampala.

During the investigation, police recovered 190 bars and nuggets of suspected gold, along with other documents. Eight vehicles were also impounded. Detectives, along with scene of crime officers and IT experts, visited the premises of Real Sunex Refinery Ltd in Kololo, Kampala.

The complainant allegedly paid the substantial sum via cryptocurrency after being convinced to cover smelting, documentation, and export costs for the non-existent gold. Six suspects have already been charged in court with obtaining money by false pretenses.

This case highlights a growing trend in financial crimes, with police reporting a significant number of similar cases in their annual crime reports.