Police Launch Manhunt for Algerian Tourist Over Kampala Gold Scam and Extortion

Ugsecurity agencies have launched a manhunt for a 62-year-old Algerian tourist accused of involvement in illegal mineral trading and extortion in Kampala.

The suspect, identified as Zine Laroussi, reportedly entered Uganda in July on a tourist visa. According to investigators from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Laroussi allegedly established unauthorized mineral trading operations in the upscale Kampala suburb of Bunga, where he targeted Congolese nationals.

Police emphasize that the allegations against Laroussi remain unproven in court. However, the case underscores a growing wave of high-profile mineral and gold-related fraud investigations in the capital involving both foreign nationals and local businessmen.

Authorities have intensified efforts to track down the suspect as part of a wider crackdown on illicit mineral syndicates operating across the country. Several similar fraud cases, involving substantial sums of money and targeted investors, are currently making their way through local courts.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report on the Daily Monitor.