Police have urged members of the public who may have lost money through an online investment platform operating under the name Hut 8 to come forward and formally report their cases as investigations into the alleged scam get underway.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the Force had taken note of complaints circulating about the platform, which allegedly used social media to attract investors with promises of financial returns.
However, Rusoke said Police had not yet received a formal complaint from any of the alleged victims, making it difficult for investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding the scheme.
“We have not yet received any formal complaint,” Rusoke said, urging affected individuals to report their cases.
He asked victims to report to the nearest police station and provide evidence that could help investigators trace those behind the platform.
“We urge all affected persons to report to the nearest police station and submit any available evidence,” Rusoke said.
Police said useful evidence includes payment records, mobile-money and bank transaction references, telephone numbers, social-media accounts, online links, screenshots and chat messages exchanged with the alleged operators or recruiters.
Investigators are also seeking information about individuals who recruited victims or promoted the platform through social media.
According to Rusoke, the information will help Police and other agencies “establish the full circumstances, identify the individuals or entities involved, and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.”
The Police appeal follows reports that some people who deposited money through the platform are now experiencing difficulties accessing their accounts or withdrawing their funds.
Police are working with other regulatory and financial-sector agencies to establish the ownership and operations of the investment platform.
The development has also raised concerns over the use of the Hut 8 name. The legitimate Hut 8 Corporation has reportedly distanced itself from the investment solicitations in Uganda, saying it has no authorised representatives or investment operations soliciting funds in the country.
Police have warned members of the public who may have invested through the platform against making further payments while investigations continue.
Rusoke also cautioned alleged victims against a second wave of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the situation by promising to recover lost funds in exchange for upfront payments.
Members of the public who have information about the alleged investment scheme have been urged to preserve all available evidence and report to Police rather than sending additional money to the platform or individuals claiming to represent it.
