By Majuto Omary, Crime Correspondent
Kampala, Uganda — Ram Businge, a 37-year-old man, finds himself behind bars after allegedly orchestrating a Shs3.3 billion mercury scam that targeted an Eritrean businessman. The elaborate deception involved posing as a Kenyan national named Phillip Okello and duping the victim, Ezra Sami, into believing he was selling 27 tons of mercury.
Here are the key details of this audacious fraud:
The Deceptive Contract:
- Between June 6 and 11, 2023, Businge, under the guise of Phillip Okello, entered into a contract with Sami.
- The terms were straightforward: Sami would send US Dollar 913,800 (approximately Shs3.5 billion), and in return, Businge would ship the agreed-upon amount of mercury to him.
The Fake Tracking Number:
- Armed with a fake tracking number, Businge convinced Sami that the mercury shipment was en route.
- In reality, there was no mercury. The mineral, primarily used in hospitals and industries, remained elusive.
The Sting Operation:
- Sami grew suspicious and confronted Businge when the promised shipment failed to materialize.
- Undeterred, Businge attempted to swindle Sami again, this time seeking an additional US Dollar 200,000 (equivalent to Shs778,645,400).
The Arrest and Court Proceedings:
- Authorities apprehended Businge after he returned to Sami for the second payment.
- On March 13, 2024, he appeared before Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi and denied the charges of obtaining money by false pretense.
- The court remanded him to Luzira Prison until March 26, 2024, when the case will be further discussed.
Mercury scams pose serious risks to unsuspecting victims, and Businge’s alleged actions have left Sami both financially and emotionally drained. As the legal process unfolds, justice will determine the fate of this cunning fraudster.
Source: Monitor
