Tourism Police have arrested a prime suspect accused of running an elaborate online fraud scheme that allegedly targeted foreign tourists through a fake car-hire and tour business.
The suspect, identified as Faisal Kimuli, is alleged to have operated FK Car Rental, using websites and social media platforms to advertise vehicle hire, gorilla permits and safari packages to tourists.
Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the investigation began after a Russian tourist filed a complaint on August 16, 2026, alleging that he had paid US$2,215 for a vehicle that was never delivered.
According to the complaint filed with the Uganda Tourism Board, the tourist made the payment and later found that the company’s website had been taken down and all telephone numbers associated with the business had been switched off. Further complaints from other foreign tourists allegedly revealed a similar pattern, prompting Tourism Police to widen their investigations.
Rusoke said investigators established that the suspect allegedly operated several online platforms through which he advertised tourism services, including gorilla permits, safaris and four-wheel-drive vehicle hire.
“Our Tourism Police commenced investigations and established that the suspect used professionally designed adverts, including photos taken with genuine tourists, to appear legitimate,” Rusoke said.
Police allege that Kimuli also used several identities, including Becky, Kim Quinn and Habimana Samuel, to communicate with potential victims and build credibility. He allegedly attracted customers by offering prices significantly below prevailing market rates.
Once a customer expressed interest, the suspect allegedly demanded advance payment through mobile money or bank transfers, mainly communicating with victims through WhatsApp. Police say he would sometimes claim to be outside the country before cutting communication after receiving payment.
Investigators also allege that he repeatedly changed telephone numbers, devices, accounts and websites in an attempt to evade detection and continue the scheme.
The case brings to the fore the growing risks associated with booking tourism services through unverified online platforms, particularly where fraudsters use convincing websites, stolen or genuine tourist photographs and heavily discounted prices to create an appearance of legitimacy.
Rusoke said investigations are continuing to establish the full scale of the alleged fraud, identify additional victims and possible accomplices, and trace and recover the money allegedly obtained from victims.
He urged tourists and members of the public to verify tourism operators before making payments online and advised those seeking gorilla permits to obtain them directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or use verified tourism operators.
Police have also appealed to anyone who may have sent money to telephone numbers or bank accounts linked to Kimuli, or who believes they may have fallen victim to a similar scheme, to report to Katwe Police Station, where the suspect is being held pending further investigations and court proceedings-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
