4 Ugandans posing as Energy Ministry officials Steal $5m from Turkish investor

A criminal on handcuffs (internet photo)

A Turkish investor has fallen victim to a high-level fraud syndicate in Uganda, losing a staggering $4.95 million in a fictitious chemical supply deal allegedly linked to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. 

The victim, Mr. Farkan Gumran, Managing Director of Sirus Blue Chemical Manufacturing Co. Ltd, was lured into a scam involving the purported supply of AdBlue solution — a chemical used to reduce carbon emissions in automotive engines. 

The fraudulent scheme was orchestrated by four individuals posing as senior government officials. The suspects, who are now in custody, include Dr. Mulyansaka Charles (claiming to be Chairman of the Special Contracts Committee), Mwesigwa Moses (purported Director of Procurement), Seruma Moses (Communication/IT Specialist), and Watum Peter (Secretary). 

According to intelligence sources, the suspects created convincing documentation and presented themselves as representatives of a special government procurement committee handling strategic energy supplies. 

The victim was made to believe he had secured a high-value government contract and was asked to pay a commitment fee. 

The quartet was arrested on July 22, 2025, by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) at AHA Towers on Lourdel Road in Kampala, during a meeting to collect an initial USD 7,000 from Mr. Gumran. 

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests may follow, especially as documents and emails used in the scam suggest involvement of other actors behind the scenes. 

The SH-ACU has warned foreign investors to verify deals through official government channels