Authorities arrested 16 individuals, and four police officers, connected to a fake gold fraud scheme.

Joint Ugandan security forces arrested 16 individuals, including four police officers, for running an elaborate $4 million (Shs15 billion) fake gold fraud scheme.

Operating under a front company called Real Sunnex Ltd, the criminal syndicate targeted and successfully defrauded an unnamed Dubai-based businessman.The operation has exposed internal police vulnerabilities and triggered swift disciplinary actions within the Uganda Police Force.

Scheme Mechanics & Sting OperationThe Initial Fraud: The syndicate initial took $4 million from the Dubai investor in a sham gold transaction, prompting a formal complaint in July 2025.

The Double-Dip Trap: Investigators discovered the fraudsters were actively preparing to steal an additional $4 million from the same victim under identical pretenses.

The Bust: Joint intelligence teams from the police and the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) set a trap, raiding the operation and arresting the suspects across various areas in Kampala.Seized Assets: Security teams recovered suspected fake gold, incriminating documents, and eight motor vehicles used to run the illicit enterprise.