Canadian consultant facing Shs5.5 billion gold fraud charges seeks bail

Michel Faille, a 64-year-old Canadian consultant, is seeking bail as he faces serious charges of obtaining money by false pretences and illegal mineral dealing. Faille appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa on allegations that he and others, still at large, defrauded Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur of $1.5 million (about Shs5.56 billion) between July and October 2025.

Prosecutors claim Faille falsely promised to facilitate the shipment of 16 tonnes of gold to Dubai, a transaction that ultimately never materialized. Additionally, Faille is charged with illegally dealing in minerals, specifically being found in possession of 740 kilograms of suspected gold nuggets without a valid license.

During the court session, the State indicated it was prepared to proceed with the hearing. However, the defence lawyer, Calvin Namara, informed the court that Faille wished to explore a plea bargain and, more pressingly, to apply for bail. Namara argued that Faille’s health is deteriorating due to his continued detention, citing prostate cancer and arthritis as significant concerns.

The complainant, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, stated that Faille had previously refused reconciliation efforts when approached in prison, indicating a lack of progress on that front. Despite the defence’s expressed desire for reconciliation, the State suggested that the priority seemed to be securing bail before engaging in serious talks.

Magistrate Kidasa adjourned the case to August 20 to allow for the consideration of Faille’s bail application and further consultation between the defence and the accused. Faille, who has been residing at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, denies all charges brought against him.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)