Four Chinese nationals, identified as Pan Yi (40), Liang Sen (26), Huang Xiaobiao (40), and Dia Yanyu (36), have been arrested in Kampala for their involvement in illegal wildlife trade and tax evasion.
The suspects, initially detained at Kampala Stocks Supermarket on Luwum Street before being escorted to their residence for further investigation, were apprehended by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in collaboration with Uganda Police and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), following the discovery of illegal wildlife products and smuggled goods at their residence in Naguru, Kampala.
Among the items recovered were 9.4 kilograms of pangolin scales, two skinned pangolin carcasses, 167 cartons of smuggled premium cigarettes, and Shs27 million in cash.
The operation, executed on November 21, was triggered by a tip-off about the storage of pangolin products at the suspects’ residence on Plot 19, Ntinda View Crescent.
Further searches taken on November 22 and 23 uncovered smuggled cigarettes, which are estimated to have evaded Shs162 million in taxes.
The residence is now assumed to have been a distribution hub for both pangolin products and smuggled goods.
The four are currently in police custody and face charges related to illegal wildlife trafficking and tax evasion.
