The number of people claiming they lost money in the alleged labour recruitment fraud linked to businessman Asiimwe Christian, popularly known as Don Chris, has risen to 655, with police now saying the alleged losses exceed Shs2 billion.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala gave the latest update on Monday, August 31, saying more alleged victims continue to come forward and record statements.
We have over 655 victims who have come forward, and we have recorded their statements. It is alleged that the money obtained is over Shs2b.
Police had recorded more than 500 alleged victims when they arrested Don Chris on August 27.
Asiimwe, a former director of the now-defunct labour recruitment company Sky Pins, faces allegations of obtaining money by false pretences after allegedly promising job seekers employment opportunities abroad between 2022 and 2025.
The alleged destinations included Canada, the United Kingdom, Qatar and Dubai, while the promised jobs ranged from waiters and cleaners to caregivers.
Police said victims reportedly paid between Shs5 million and Shs10 million, depending on the job and destination.
The case centres on job seekers who say they paid money to Sky Pins but never received the overseas jobs recruiters had promised them.
Don Chris remains in police custody as investigators continue working on the case.
Police have urged anyone who paid money to Sky Pins but has not yet reported the matter to come forward and record a statement