The number of people claiming to have lost money in an alleged overseas job recruitment scam linked to businessman Asiimwe Christian, popularly known as Don Chris, has risen to 655, with police saying the reported losses now exceed Shs2 billion.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the number could continue to rise as more people come forward to report their experiences and record statements with investigators.
“We have over 655 victims who have come forward, and we have recorded their statements. It is alleged that the money obtained is over Shs2 billion,” Kawala said.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from the more than 500 alleged victims who had reported to police by the time Don Chris was arrested on 27 August.
The case centres on Sky Pins, a now-defunct labour recruitment company where Asiimwe previously served as a director. Police are investigating allegations that job seekers paid millions of shillings after being promised employment opportunities abroad but never received the jobs.
According to police, the alleged victims were promised jobs in countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Qatar and Dubai between 2022 and 2025.
The jobs reportedly included positions such as caregivers, cleaners and waiters, with applicants allegedly paying between Shs5 million and Shs10 million depending on the job and the country of destination.
Investigators are now gathering statements and other evidence from the growing number of complainants as they seek to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud.
Don Chris remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Police have urged anyone who paid money to Sky Pins for an overseas job but has not yet reported the matter to come forward and record a statement as investigations into the alleged Shs2 billion recruitment scam continue.
