By A Kenyan national has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being charged with defrauding an American investor of over USD 255,000 (approximately UGX 950 million) in a fake gold export deal.
Elizabeth Esther Steenkamp, the Managing Director of Washa Lidjiwe Investments Limited, was arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to commit a felony. She will remain in custody until October 28, 2025, as investigations continue.
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According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Steenkamp and others still at large allegedly conspired to defraud Vladimir Toussaint Yvens, an American businessman, under the guise of facilitating the export of 46 kilograms of gold from Kampala to New York.
Investigators allege that between June and August 2025, at Plot 244 Bemba Road in Munyonyo, Makindye Division, Kampala District, the accused persuaded the investor to remit USD 255,650 purportedly to cover declaration fees, government royalties, and export documentation.
However, after receiving the funds, the promised gold shipment was never made, and the suspects reportedly cut off communication with the victim.
Authorities say the case is part of a growing wave of gold-related fraud schemes targeting foreign investors in Uganda. The SH-ACU has urged international businesspeople to verify all mineral transactions through licensed dealers and the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) to avoid falling prey to criminal syndicates.
Steenkamp’s co-accused remain on the run as police continue the hunt for their arrest.
