The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working with police, has arrested eight people including both Ugandan and Congolese nationals over allegations of defrauding a former Nigerian legislator of about UGX 250 million (approximately $70,000) in a fake gold transaction.

The suspects allegedly conned Mr. Gbillah Mark Terseer, who represented Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency in Benue State, Nigeria, into believing they could supply seven kilograms of gold through two companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited.

SHACU Senior Officer Bamwine Muhoozi said the victim was encouraged to continue engaging the suspects to allow investigators to track and apprehend them.

The group is reported to have operated from a rented house in Muyenga, Makindye Division, where security personnel recovered about 150 kilograms of counterfeit gold bars.

Those arrested are Tibasiima Barbra alias Katushabe Sharon, Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Mpenge Isaac, Mabwongo Prince, and Kajjubi Tevin Kyome. They are accused of forging licenses, invoices, and other company documents to defraud potential buyers.

Mr. Muhoozi said the suspects will face charges of obtaining money by false pretence and cautioned the public to exercise vigilance when engaging in gold-related transactions.