KAMPALA, Uganda – A 64-year-old Canadian citizen has been charged before the Kampala Chief Magistrate’s Court over his alleged involvement in a gold fraud scheme valued at US$1.5 million (approximately Shs5.5 billion).

Michel Faille appeared before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa on Friday, where he was remanded to Luzira Prison until August 12, 2026, to allow police to complete ongoing investigations.

According to the prosecution, Faille allegedly obtained money from victims through false representations linked to purported gold transactions. The court did not take a plea as investigations are still underway.

The case comes amid heightened government efforts to strengthen oversight of Uganda’s mineral sector, particularly the lucrative gold trade, which has increasingly attracted both local and international investors while also becoming vulnerable to fraudulent schemes.

The court is expected to receive an update on the status of investigations when the case resumes on August 12, 2026.

As with all criminal proceedings, the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.