KAMPALA, Uganda — Police have arrested 16 suspects, including four serving police officers, in connection with an alleged $4 million fake gold fraud scheme targeting a businessman from Dubai.
The suspects are accused of obtaining the money through a fraudulent gold transaction and allegedly preparing to defraud the same businessman of another $4 million.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the investigation began in July 2025, when the Dubai-based businessman reported that Asiimwe Moses and his associates, operating under the company name Real Sunnex Ltd, had fraudulently obtained $4 million from him in a fake gold deal.
Police said further engagement with the complainant established that the suspects were allegedly planning to receive an additional $4 million from him under similar fraudulent pretences.
Security teams subsequently mounted an operation to intercept the suspects.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 people, including Asiimwe, whom police identified as the prime suspect.
The other suspects 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.
Police said several exhibits were recovered during the operation, including suspected fake gold, documents believed to be incriminating and eight motor vehicles allegedly used to facilitate the fraudulent operation.
Police officers accused of guarding illegal refinery
Investigators also discovered that four police officers had allegedly abandoned their assigned duties and deployed themselves to protect members of the suspected fraud syndicate.
The Uganda Police Force identified the officers as PC Kulutu Ayubu, PC Emorut Razak, PC Waiswa Benon and PC Waiswa Siraj.
According to police, the officers withdrew from their respective beats without authorisation and went to guard the suspects at an illegal gold refinery, where the alleged fraudulent transactions were being facilitated.
Police described the conduct as a serious breach of discipline and professional standards.
The four officers were subsequently subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings before the Police Disciplinary Court on August 29, 2026.
The proceedings resulted in recommendations for dismissal against PC Kulutu Ayubu and PC Waiswa Benon, while PC Waiswa Siraj and PC Emorut Razak were recommended for discharge.
The disciplinary action, however, does not conclude the criminal investigation.
Police said all four officers, together with the other 12 suspects, are being processed for criminal prosecution in the courts of law.
The distinction is significant: the internal disciplinary proceedings address the officers’ alleged misconduct as police personnel, while the criminal proceedings will determine whether the suspects committed the offences alleged against them.
Investigation into wider syndicate continues
The Uganda Police Force said investigations into the suspected fraud syndicate are still ongoing.
Investigators are pursuing other possible accomplices as well as efforts to recover the money allegedly obtained from the Dubai businessman.
Police have not disclosed the location of the alleged refinery or provided further details about how the initial $4 million was transferred.
The case also highlights the persistent risks surrounding Uganda’s gold and precious-minerals trade, a sector that has attracted foreign investors and traders but has also faced repeated concerns over fraud, smuggling, illegal refining and questionable documentation.
The police urged people involved in the gold trade to conduct due diligence before entering transactions.
In a statement issued by ACP Kituuma Rusoke, Police spokesperson, the Force cautioned members of the public, particularly those dealing in gold and precious minerals, to verify the legitimacy of dealers and refineries before committing their money.
The warning comes as police attempt to dismantle what they describe as a broader fraudulent enterprise rather than an isolated transaction.
For the investigators, the central question now extends beyond the alleged fake gold: where did the money go, who else was involved, and how deeply had the syndicate penetrated institutions meant to police it?
The answers will depend on the continuing investigation and the evidence presented before court.
