A breakthrough operation by detectives has led to the arrest of 14 suspects tied to a massive gold scam worth over $1.3 million.
The suspects were apprehended after weeks of surveillance and a meticulously planned raid on a house in Lavington, Nairobi, believed to be the operational hub of the scam.
Using forensic intelligence, the operation exposed a deception involving 2,820 kg of supposed gold, which was smelted and sold from March to May 2024.
The scam targeted an American businessman who ended up losing a substantial sum after believing he was making legitimate transactions.
The suspects, who held various roles at the property located at No. 53 Chalbi Drive, include Ronald Osonga Khejiria, Emmanuel Wafula Thatcher, Willy Kiplimo Metto, Sharon Achieng Ouma, Tracey Achieng, Luck Bahaya Butelezi, Willis Odhiambo Koyi, Erina Notoila Gitau, Edgar Wafula Odinga, Patrick Kariuki Mahugu, Denis Osoo, Boniface Nemesis Waswa, John Michugu Gathaira and Eliud Wachira Githaiga.
During the raid, police seized critical evidence, including documents, stamps, and seals used to trick victims like the American businessman into believing they were purchasing legitimate gold.
In a separate development, two additional suspects, Eric Kalala Mukendi and Antonucci Sergio Patrick, have already been charged in connection with the scam.
Their case is set to be mentioned on January 23, 2025, at Milimani Law Courts.
This arrest is part of a growing crackdown on gold-related fraud in Nairobi, which has become a hotspot for cartels operating in the gold business.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned foreign nationals and Kenyan traders alike to be cautious when engaging in gold transactions, urging them to verify deals with the Department of Mines and Geology to avoid falling victim to scams.
The DCI also appealed to embassies in Kenya to inform their nationals about the rising number of gold scams in the country, ensuring they follow the correct procedures when buying or selling gold.
The agency expressed concern over the increasing scale of these fraudulent activities, which have cost foreign buyers millions of shillings.
