Police have arrested a man suspected of defrauding foreign tourists through a fake car-hire and tour company that allegedly offered vehicle rentals, gorilla permits, safaris and other tourism-related services online.

The suspect, Faisal Kimuli, was arrested on October 2, 2026, following investigations by the Tourism Police into complaints from tourists who allegedly lost money after booking services through the purported company, FK Car Rental.
Police said investigations were launched after a Russian tourist reported to the Uganda Tourism Board on August 16, 2026, that he had paid USD 2,215 to FK Car Rental for vehicle hire, but the vehicle was never provided.
According to Police, shortly after receiving the payment, the company's website was taken down and the telephone numbers associated with the business were switched off.
Further complaints from other foreign tourists reportedly revealed a similar pattern, with the same operator allegedly running several online platforms advertising gorilla permits, safari packages and four-wheel-drive vehicle hire.
Police said the suspect used professionally designed advertisements and photographs taken with genuine tourists to create an impression that the business was legitimate.
Investigators also established that Kimuli allegedly operated under different identities, including “Becky,” “Kim Quinn” and “Habimana Samuel.” He reportedly attracted tourists by offering services at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates.
Police said the suspect usually required tourists to make advance payments through mobile money or bank transfers, with most communication conducted through WhatsApp.
He would allegedly claim to be outside Uganda and later become unreachable after receiving payments. Police further said he frequently changed telephone numbers, mobile devices, accounts and websites in what appeared to be an attempt to evade detection.
Following investigations, Tourism Police traced and arrested Kimuli on October 2. Police said investigations are still ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify additional victims and possible accomplices, and trace and recover funds obtained through the suspected fraudulent activities.
Police have urged tourists and members of the public to exercise caution when booking tourism services online.
Tourists seeking gorilla permits have been particularly advised to obtain them directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or use tourism operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Police have also appealed to anyone who may have sent money to telephone numbers or accounts associated with the suspect, or who has fallen victim to similar tourism-related online fraud, to report to Katwe Police Station or the nearest police station.