15 fake gold refineries closed in Kampala, Police set up desk to hunt cyberscammers

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The Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU) has cracked down on fake gold operations in Kampala.

The operation has led to the closure of 15 illicit refineries and the creation of a cybercrime desk to monitor and arrest scammers exploiting Uganda’s mineral sector.

Speaking to journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, August 18, 2025, unit commandant Ceaser Tusingwire said the seizures were part of an ongoing countrywide operation to dismantle syndicates behind mineral fraud.

“We have closed 15 fake refineries in Kampala that were operating without licences and defrauding both Ugandans and foreign investors. These places were being used to launder fake gold deals, issue forged documents, and cheat unsuspecting buyers,” Tusingwire said.

He explained that many of the illegal operators lured investors with counterfeit gold, hired luxury offices in the city to appear credible, and used digital platforms to promote their scams. Victims often lost millions of shillings and dollars in bogus transactions.

To tackle this growing trend, PMPU has established a cyberdesk that works with other intelligence units to monitor online activities.

“Most of these fraudsters now operate on the Internet. They send emails, create fake websites and even livestream fake refining processes. Our cyber desk is monitoring these platforms and tracking individuals. This way, we can arrest scammers before they move money or minerals across borders,” he noted.

According to Police records, PMPU registered eight fraud-related cases in February alone, compared to over 20 in December 2024. Five suspects were arrested in February, with recoveries including fake gold bars, laptops, weighing scales, cash, and forged documentation.

Tusingwire said the new cyber approach will be complemented by traditional intelligence operations.

“We are working with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Financial Intelligence Authority, and territorial Police to ensure culprits are arrested and charged in court. We are also tracing properties bought using money obtained through mineral fraud so that victims can recover their losses,” he added.

The crackdown is also linked to international fraud syndicates. Police said many scammers pretend to be licensed dealers, lure victims into Kampala, then disappear after transactions. Some cases involve forged export permits, while others revolve around convincing victims to deposit large sums for “refining costs.”

Tusingwire urged investors to verify mineral dealers with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development before making any transactions.

“If someone is genuine, they will have licenses and documentation. Investors should not be duped by big offices or flashy lifestyles. We appeal to the public to report suspected fraudsters so that we can act quickly,” he said.