BBC uncovers the Ugandan scammers abusing dogs to elicit donations from animal lovers
A weeks-long BBC investigation has uncovered a network in Uganda that deliberately put dogs in distress to elicit online donations from animal lovers around the world. After the report, police carried out raids and rescued dozens of animals.
A weeks-long undercover BBC investigation has shown that a group of content creators in Uganda deliberately injured or endangered dogs to drive online donations from animal lovers worldwide. The footage documented animals being hurt before appearing in 'rescue' livestreams.
As the videos drew larger audiences, donations flowed directly into personal accounts. The BBC identified one of the network's leaders and exposed how the operation was staged. Animal-welfare organisations are calling for tighter oversight of social media live-donation features.
Ugandan police raided a facility outside Kampala after the broadcast, rescuing dozens of dogs and detaining a suspect. BBC investigative journalism has reignited a global debate over the abuse of social-media donation streams.
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