The fraud case involving Ugandan socialite Don Chris, born Christian Asiimwe, has grown significantly, with police saying 655 people have now registered complaints against him.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala, the amount of money allegedly obtained from the victims has also surpassed Shs2 billion as investigators continue gathering statements.
Don Chris, the former boss of Sky Pins Tours and Travel, is accused of allegedly taking money from people after promising to secure employment opportunities for them abroad, including in Canada, Dubai and the United Kingdom.
Police say hundreds of the alleged victims have now formally recorded statements as authorities work to establish the full scope of the allegations.
Kawala said Don Chris remains in police custody while investigators prepare to have him brought before court.
“Don Chris is still in our Police custody, but we’re doing everything possible to have him arraigned before the courts of law. As per now, we have registered 655 victims who have recorded their statements regarding his fraud allegations. The money he solicited from the victims has so far amounted to Shs2 billion plus and above. Soon he will be arraigned before court.”
The latest figures represent a substantial increase in the number of alleged victims and the amount of money involved compared with the initial reports surrounding Don Chris’ arrest.
The allegations center on claims that people were promised overseas employment opportunities and allegedly paid money in connection with those arrangements.
Police have not indicated in the supplied information when Don Chris will appear in court. For now, investigators are continuing to process statements from the alleged victims while the suspect remains in custody.
The case is therefore moving from an initial arrest into a much broader investigation, with 655 alleged victims and more than Shs2 billion in alleged payments now cited by police.