Police have arrested a man suspected of running an online fraud scheme targeting foreign tourists through a purported car-hire and tour company, FK Car Rental.
The suspect, identified as Faisal Kimuli, was arrested on October 2, 2026, following investigations by the Tourism Police into complaints of tourists allegedly losing money after booking tourism-related services online.
According to Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, investigations were launched after a Russian tourist reported on August 16 that he had paid US$2,215 to FK Car Rental for the hire of a vehicle that was never delivered.
“Shortly after receiving the payment, the website was taken down and all the contact numbers associated with the business were switched off,” Kituuma said.
The Police said subsequent complaints from other foreign tourists revealed a similar pattern, with the same operator allegedly running several online platforms advertising gorilla permits, safaris, 4×4 vehicle hire and other tourism services.
Kituuma said investigations established that the suspect allegedly used professionally designed advertisements, including photographs taken with genuine tourists, to create an impression that the business was legitimate.
The suspect allegedly operated under several identities, including “Becky,” “Kim Quinn” and “Habimana Samuel,” while offering tourism services at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates.
According to Police, tourists were required to make advance payments through mobile money or bank transfers, mainly after communicating with the operator via WhatsApp.
The suspect would allegedly claim to be outside Uganda and later become unreachable after receiving payments. Police further allege that he frequently changed telephone numbers, mobile devices, accounts and websites in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
“Faisal Kimuli was traced and arrested on October 2, 2026. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the fraud, identify additional victims and possible accomplices, and trace and recover the funds obtained through the alleged fraudulent activities,” Kituuma said.
Police have urged tourists and members of the public to exercise caution when booking tourism services online.
Tourists seeking gorilla permits have been particularly advised to obtain them directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or engage tourism operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Police also appealed to anyone who may have sent money to accounts or telephone numbers associated with the suspect, or who has fallen victim to similar fraudulent tourism schemes, to report to Katwe Police Station or the nearest police station.
Kituuma said such reports would help investigators establish the full extent of the alleged scheme and identify other possible victims.
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