Police have urged members of the public who may have lost money through an online investment platform operating under the name Hut 8 to formally report their cases and provide evidence to enable investigations into the alleged scam.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the Force had taken note of complaints from members of the public regarding the platform, which allegedly used social-media platforms to lure people with promises of investment returns.
He however, said, they have not yet received a formal complaint, making it difficult for investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme.
“We have not yet received any formal complaint,” Rusoke said, while urging affected persons to come forward and report their cases.
He said victims should report to the nearest police station and submit all information that could assist investigators in identifying the people behind the platform.
“We urge all affected persons to report to the nearest police station and submit any available evidence,” Rusoke said.
He said evidence includes payment records, mobile-money and bank transaction references, telephone numbers, social-media accounts, online links, screenshots and chat messages exchanged with the alleged operators or recruiters.
Police are also interested in information about people who recruited victims or promoted the platform on social media.
Rusoke said the information would help Police and other agencies “establish the full circumstances, identify the individuals or entities involved, and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.”
The call comes amid reports that some people who deposited money through the platform are now experiencing difficulties accessing their accounts or withdrawing their funds.
Police are working with other regulatory and financial-sector agencies as they seek to establish who is behind the investment operation.
The legitimate Hut 8 Corporation has also reportedly distanced itself from the alleged investment solicitations in Uganda, saying it has no authorised representatives or investment operations soliciting funds in the country.
Police have meanwhile warned people who may have been affected against making further payments.
Rusoke also cautioned victims to be wary of individuals claiming they can recover lost money in exchange for an upfront payment.
