By Robert Segawa
The Immigration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is actively searching for two suspects involved in a major fraud scheme that has defrauded 43 individuals of nearly Shs 1 billion. The suspects, operating under the guise of Akia Guest Tours Limited, are accused of promising victims lucrative job opportunities in Israel and Tel Aviv.
The company, located near Lubaga Cathedral Church, reportedly deceived each victim into paying Shs 22 million, claiming that upon arrival in Israel, they would secure high-paying jobs with monthly salaries of Shs 20 million each.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Internal Affairs Ministry, identified the suspects as Andrew Ssekimuli and Jacklin Mburatie, who are currently at large. Speaking at a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Mundeyi revealed that the fraud was perpetrated by promising jobs that did not exist.
Mundeyi described the distressing situation of some victims, including a young man from Ssembabule who sold 20 heads of cattle to finance his trip. “This boy sold his father’s cows without his knowledge to raise the Shs 22 million for the trip. He handed the money to the suspects and was issued a receipt,” Mundeyi said.
Further complicating the case, all the victims’ passports were taken by the suspects, who have since vanished after closing their offices. The Ministry is urging anyone with information on Ssekimuli’s whereabouts to come forward, particularly as it has been discovered that he acquired a US visa, suggesting he may be planning to leave the country soon.
Mundeyi also highlighted the possibility of more victims coming forward as the investigation progresses. The Immigration Department and law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to locate the suspects and recover the defrauded funds.
