Police Officer Arrested Over Mobile Money Scam

A suspect being arrested (courtesy photo)

Overview:

According to the police, Olanya had conned Shs 250,000 from one agent at the time of his arrest. Authorities reportedly began monitoring his movements after noticing a recurring pattern in incidents reported by different operators within the town council.‎

A Scene of Crime Officer (SOCCO) in Pader is in police cells for allegedly conning mobile money operators, in a scam that has reportedly affected several agents across the district.‎ ‎The suspect, identified as Assistant Inspector of Police Albert Olanya, was apprehended on March 2nd, 2026, following multiple complaints from mobile money agents accusing him of obtaining money through fraudulent deposits.

According to the police, Olanya had conned Shs 250,000 from one agent at the time of his arrest. Authorities reportedly began monitoring his movements after noticing a recurring pattern in incidents reported by different operators within the town council.‎

Pader ‎District Police Commander, Jackson Bogere, confirmed the arrest, saying investigations into the matter are ongoing. He explained that the suspect allegedly operated two mobile telephone lines, one registered in his own name and another under Denis Ojok Rupiny.

According to Bogere, several reports had been brought to his desk about suspicious behavior linked to the officer before action was taken. Olanya is currently detained at Pader Central Police Station pending completion of inquiries.‎ ‎Several victims have since recorded statements with police detailing their losses.

John Alfred Opiyo, one of the victims, claims he lost Shs 1,100,000 in transactions involving the suspect. Brenda Blessing reported losing Shs 150,000 after being instructed to make two separate deposits within a short period. She said she only realized the officer had disappeared while she went to get more float.

Bosco Okello, another victim, also described a similar experience, noting that he discovered the suspect had vanished when he turned to serve other clients. ‎Bogere stressed that the alleged conduct does not reflect the standards and professional values of the Uganda Police Force, emphasizing that it was individual misconduct.

He assured the public that once investigations are complete, the suspect will be produced before the court to face charges related to fraud. He urged anyone who may have been affected by similar actions to formally report to the police for further prosecution.