A Chinese national has been apprehended by the police in connection with a fraudulent scheme that resulted in over 6000 Ugandans losing more than Shs 4.5 billion.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The Ugandan police have made an arrest in connection with a scam that resulted in over 6,000 Ugandans losing more than shs4.5 billion in a football Ponzi scheme.
Here are the details:
Scam Operation of BLQ
The scam operated under the name BLQ, resembling a football betting site where users could suggest fixtures and predict their scores. However, users would only profit if the company’s predictions for a match were incorrect.
Closure of the Scamming Company
In October of the previous year, the fraudulent company abruptly ceased operations in Uganda, leaving countless Ugandans who held accounts with it devastated.
Arrest of Chinese National
On Friday, the police announced the arrest of Yinghe Chen, a 43-year-old Chinese national residing in UCB Zone, Bukoto, Nakawa division, Kampala.
Interagency Investigation and Task Force
The arrest was made following an extensive investigation by the National cyber task force, a collaboration between various agencies such as the CID, Crime Intelligence (CI), ISO, ESO, CMI, Bank of Uganda, NIRA, NITA Uganda, and the Uganda Banker Association.
The investigation focused on allegations of fraud against Acclaim BLQ Sports SMC and its five subsidiary companies.
UPF ARRESTS A CHINESE NATIONAL IN CONECTION TO ACCLAIM BLQ SPORTS FRAUD@PollyNamaye "A team from @CID1_UG has today 23.06.2023 arrested Mr Yinghe Chen aged 43 years of Chinese Nationality and a resident of UCB Zone in Bukoto 1, Nakawa Division in Kampala.
This follows an… pic.twitter.com/cBbSTchQJN
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) June 23, 2023
Total Arrests and Court Proceedings
With the arrest of the Chinese national, the number of individuals apprehended in connection with the scam has reached five. The others include Mary Awori, the wife of Chen Yinghe, another Chinese national, who were both registered as directors for BLQ Sports.
Additionally, Akoth Justine Oboth, Achola Mary, and Biira Shamim have been arrested and remanded after being implicated in the scam.
Victims and Losses
It is estimated that the scam has affected around 6,000 Ugandans, resulting in losses exceeding shs4.5 billion. Acclaim BLQ Sports SMC attracted many people to the online betting company with its slogan “You lose, You win.”
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The arrested Chinese national is expected to be brought before the courts of law while the search continues for other owners and directors of the fraudulent company.
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