KAMPALA, Uganda — Police have arrested a man accused of defrauding foreign tourists through a fake online car-hire and tour company, with investigators linking him to several websites offering gorilla permits, safaris and vehicle rentals.
The suspect, Faisal Kimuli, was arrested on October 2, 2026, after Tourism Police launched investigations into complaints from tourists who allegedly lost money while booking services through FK Car Rental.
According to police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, investigations began after a Russian tourist reported on August 16 that he had paid US$2,215 to the company to hire a vehicle, but the car was never delivered.
Shortly after receiving the money, the company’s website reportedly went offline and its contact numbers were switched off.
Further complaints from other foreign tourists allegedly revealed a similar pattern, with the same operator suspected of running several online platforms advertising tourism services, including gorilla permits, safaris and 4×4 vehicle hire.
Police said the suspect allegedly used professionally designed advertisements and photographs taken with genuine tourists to create an impression that the business was legitimate.
He is also accused of operating under different identities, including “Becky,” “Kim Quinn” and “Habimana Samuel,” while offering services at prices significantly below prevailing market rates.
According to investigators, tourists were required to make advance payments through mobile money or bank transfers, mainly after communicating with the suspect on WhatsApp.
Police said the suspect would sometimes claim to be outside Uganda and later become unreachable after receiving payment. He allegedly changed telephone numbers, mobile devices, accounts and websites in an attempt to evade detection.
“The 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,” ACP Kituuma said.
Police have warned tourists and members of the public to exercise caution when booking tourism services online, particularly when deals appear significantly cheaper than normal market rates.
Tourists seeking gorilla permits have been advised to obtain them directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or use tourism operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Anyone who paid money to accounts or telephone numbers associated with Kimuli, or who believes they have fallen victim to a similar tourism scam, has been urged to report to Katwe Police Station or the nearest police station.
