The Tourism Police in Uganda have arrested a suspect, identified as Faisal Kimuli, who is alleged to have operated a fake car-hire and tour business, FK Car Rental. Kimuli used websites and social media platforms to advertise vehicle hire, gorilla permits, and safari packages to tourists. The suspect's business was discovered to be a front for an online fraud scheme that targeted foreign tourists.
According to Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, 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. 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. The suspect used professionally designed adverts, including photos taken with genuine tourists, to appear legitimate.
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. This modus operandi allowed the suspect to stay one step ahead of law enforcement and continue his alleged fraudulent activities.
The case highlights 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.
Police have 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. The police also 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.
Key points
- The suspect, Faisal Kimuli, allegedly operated a fake car-hire and tour business, FK Car Rental, using websites and social media platforms to target foreign tourists.
- The suspect used several identities and communication methods to build credibility and evade detection.
- The case highlights the risks associated with booking tourism services through unverified online platforms.
