Over the weekend, news reports revealed what appears to have been a fraud perpetuated by agents of popular Japanese car exporter, Beforward. Reports so far indicate that the offices located in Naguru remained close and contacts switched off with agents believed to be on the run.
Hundreds of people dealing with the company have come forward online to reveal that billions of shillings could have been lost in orders that will not be fulfilled. Beforward is a popular second hand car importer and has been used by very many people in the past who attest to its credibility.
Local importer dealers have also stated that the dealing where overseen by the parent company Beforward Japan/Nagoya, but the money was not received. Even those that paid money direct to Beforward Japan have reported to not have received their orders.
However, others have also revealed that agents working for the company have been of recent charging exorbitant fees to buyers. Beforward is an online company based in Japan and has direct contact lines. Its not clear with these agents where officially accredited by the company or where offering an independent service at a fee.
The scam, which prompted a slew of police complaints, has seen the Company close its offices in Kampala, with some of its agents now on the run as the police begin to hunt for them in their hideouts. Over 50 people have come out to accuse the company, and some of them have filed cases at the Jinja road police station.
This story is still developing but this should act as an early warning for anyone with intent of importing a car using agents not fully registered to operate in the country or on behalf of foreign companies.
