Police have arrested a man suspected of defrauding foreign tourists through a fake car-hire and tour company that allegedly advertised vehicle rentals, gorilla permits and safari services online.
The suspect has been identified as Faisal Kimuli, who police said was arrested on October 2 following investigations into complaints from foreign tourists.
Police said the investigations began after a Russian tourist reported to the Uganda Tourism Board on August 16 that he had paid $2,215 (about Shs8 million) to FK Car Rental for a vehicle that was never delivered.
According to police, the website was taken down shortly after the payment was made, while telephone numbers associated with the business were switched off.
Further complaints from foreign tourists reportedly revealed a similar pattern involving the same operator and several online platforms advertising tourism-related services, including gorilla permits, safaris and four-wheel-drive vehicle hire.
The Tourism Police launched investigations following the complaints.
Police said investigations showed that the suspect allegedly used professionally designed advertisements and photographs taken with genuine tourists to create an impression that the business was legitimate.
He allegedly operated under different identities, including “Becky”, “Kim Quinn” and “Habimana Samuel”.
Police further allege that the suspect offered tourism services at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates and required clients to make advance payments through mobile money or bank transfers, mainly through WhatsApp.
According to police, the suspect would sometimes claim to be outside Uganda and later become unreachable after receiving payments.
He also allegedly changed telephone numbers, mobile devices, accounts and websites in an attempt to evade detection.
Police said investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify other possible victims and accomplices, and trace and recover money obtained through the suspected scheme.
Police have urged tourists and members of the public to exercise caution when booking tourism services online.
Tourists seeking gorilla permits have particularly been advised to obtain them directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or use tourism operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Police also appealed to anyone who may have sent money to telephone numbers or accounts associated with Kimuli, or who may have fallen victim to similar tourism-related fraud, to report to Katwe Police Station or the nearest police station.
The arrest comes as Uganda continues to promote its tourism sector, with gorilla tracking and wildlife safaris among the country’s major attractions for international visitors.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
