Four cops face dismissal over sh14b fake gold scam
“Upon further engagement with the complainant, police established that the suspects were expecting to receive an additional $4m from the same businessman under similar fraudulent pretences,” Kituuma said. He said security teams subsequently laid a trap that led to the arrest of the 16 suspects, including Asimwe, who police identified as the prime suspect.
During the operation, security teams recovered suspected fake gold, incriminating documents and eight motor vehicles allegedly used to facilitate the fraudulent transactions.
KAMPALA - Four police officers have been convicted and recommended for dismissal from the force for allegedly abandoning their official duties to guard a fake gold syndicate involved in a $4m (about sh14.2b) fraud scheme, police authorities have revealed.
The officers were among 16 suspects arrested in a joint operation by police and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) following a complaint by a Dubai-based businessman, who alleged that he had been defrauded of $4m through a fake gold deal.
Speaking during the weekly police briefing at Naguru in Kampala on Monday, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the complainant reported that Moses Asimwe and his accomplices, operating under Rio Sunex Limited, had fraudulently obtained the money from him.
“Upon further engagement with the complainant, police established that the suspects were expecting to receive an additional $4m from the same businessman under similar fraudulent pretences,” Kituuma said.
He said security teams subsequently laid a trap that led to the arrest of the 16 suspects, including Asimwe, who police identified as the prime suspect.
The other suspects are: Congolese national Rogers Mbenge, Edward Kiwanuka, Geoffrey Kajubi, Thierry Songole, Bright Ajambo, Glode Mata Mayuke, Solange Nakahosa, William Masaba, Joseph Walusimbi, Anita Ampaire, Patrick Amani, Christian Mugoya, Dicken Kagarura, Grace Leta and Mbasa Taboma.
During the operation, security teams recovered suspected fake gold, incriminating documents and eight motor vehicles allegedly used to facilitate the fraudulent transactions.
The officers are Police Constables: Ayub Kulutu, Razak Emorut, Benon Waiswa and Siraje Waiswa.
“The officers allegedly withdrew from their respective beats without authorisation and deployed themselves in support of the gold fraud syndicate—a grave breach of police disciplinary and professional conduct,” Kituuma said.
Kituuma said Kulutu Ayub and Waiswa Benon were recommended for dismissal from the force, while Waiswa Siraje and Emorut Razak were recommended for discharge. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
The four officers appeared before the Police Disciplinary Court on Saturday, August 29, where they were tried and convicted.
Kituuma said Kulutu Ayub and Waiswa Benon were recommended for dismissal from the force, while Waiswa Siraje and Emorut Razak were recommended for discharge.
He said the disciplinary action would not shield the officers from prosecution over their alleged involvement in the criminal enterprise.
“The convicted police officers, together with the 12 suspects arrested in this operation, are being processed for criminal trial in the courts of law as soon as possible,” Kituuma said.
He explained that police officers can face both disciplinary and criminal proceedings for the same conduct where the circumstances warrant it.
Kituuma said investigations into the wider syndicate, including other possible accomplices and efforts to recover the defrauded funds, were still ongoing.
He cautioned members of the public, particularly those involved in the gold and precious minerals trade, against conducting transactions outside established government procedures.
“One of the biggest challenges we have found is that most of the people who engage in dealing in minerals or precious minerals have a tendency to do things underground, wanting quick money and pursuing things which appear to be highly profitable,” he said.
Kituuma urged mineral dealers to seek guidance from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the police mineral protection unit before entering into transactions.
“The ministry is there; it has liaison officers. The police mineral unit is there; it has very senior officers who can take you through these processes so that you avoid landing in trouble,” he said.
He noted that many victims of gold-related fraud are foreigners. Kituuma advised them to seek assistance from official government agencies before committing money to mineral transactions.
Kituuma said police would continue pursuing other members of the syndicate.
“We reassure the public of our unwavering commitment to fighting any form of misconduct within our ranks,” he said.