Former Assistant minister for internal security Stephen Tarus is being held by Ugandan Authorities over allegations of forging documents and smuggling gold in the country.
Tarus, who also served as Emgwen MP from 2003-2007, allegedly smuggled 13 Kgs of gold.
He was arraigned in Uganda’s Anti-corruption court on Wednesday and is currently being remanded at Luzira Maximum Prison until January 18, as more investigations into the allegation continue.
Court documents reveal that Tarus was arrested for forging Ugandan Revenue Authority document.
The document, a $30,000 receipt, bore URA’s logo and Tarus offered it to an unsuspecting Indian businessman, who wanted to set up investments in Uganda.
The Indian, who has been identified as Pravine, flew to Uganda from Mumbai after the former assistant minister contacted him, informing him that there was a 13Kgs of gold that was being withheld with URA and had to be cleared before being released.
The Indian was told that the consignment had been with URA for four years.
Unware that he was being duped, he sent the required amount of money and in-exchange he got the forged receipt.
Tarus and his team however disappeared soon after the transaction was completed, prompting Pravine to call URA.
The politician was arrested last week. If found guilty, he faces a 3-year jail term.
