A raid conducted by Ugandan immigration services has dismantled an alleged human trafficking and online fraud network.
At least 231 people were arrested in Kampala on Monday, according to the Ministry of the Interior. Some are believed to be victims of trafficking, while others were found in possession of material suggesting involvement in criminal activities. The operation was made possible thanks to information provided by local residents. Initially, the authorities were targeting a group of Nigerians living in the north of the country.
These people were found without any documents, passports, or identification. They possessed only their computers. The building they were in functioned as a self-contained complex: it had a restaurant, a pool hall, and various other facilities. They were confined there, with no possibility of leaving. They were not allowed any access to the outside, explains Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ugandan immigration service.
Alleged victims of trafficking and suspects involved in criminal activities were interviewed separately from people who were simply in an irregular situation, including those who had overstayed their visas without being involved in any crimes.
Upon arrival, these individuals did not enter the country in groups, but separately. Each arrived alone, then they regrouped to form the illegal network we uncovered. During our interrogations, they explained that a leader had lured them here by promising them work. This same individual then confiscated their passports, which he still possesses. At the time of the events, he had not yet been arrested. We are currently searching for him, as he has their documents and knows the conditions in which they live here, he added.
According to authorities, those found guilty of offenses will face prosecution, while those residing illegally in Uganda without criminal involvement will be allowed to leave the country. The individuals apprehended come from several countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
