Canadian national remanded over $1.5m gold scam

What the report says

Michel Faille, a 64-year-old Canadian national, has been remanded to Luzira Prison in Uganda as investigators continue a case involving allegations of obtaining money by false pretences and dealing in minerals without a licence. The Observer reported that Faille appeared before Buganda Road chief magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, who extended his detention while the matter awaits a hearing and a bail application.

According to the prosecution, Faille and others still at large allegedly collected $1.5 million from Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur between July and October 2025 after claiming they could arrange shipment of 16 kilogrammes of gold to Dubai. In a separate charge, he is accused of being found with 740 kilogrammes of gold nuggets in Kololo, Kampala, without a valid mineral dealer’s licence. State Attorney Grace Amy told court that investigations had been completed and that the prosecution had already disclosed the evidence it intends to use.

Faille’s lawyers said they had only recently taken on the case and needed time to consult their client before applying for bail. Court also heard that he has prostate cancer and arthritis, with his defence raising concerns about the effect of continued detention on his health.

The report notes that the case comes amid broader scrutiny of gold-related fraud cases involving foreign investors in Uganda. As a general backdrop, Ugandan authorities have often warned buyers to verify dealers’ licences and due diligence before entering precious-metals transactions.