The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has vehemently opposed the release of international drug trafficker, fraudster, and organized crime kingpin ‘Jeam Emmanuel Morlon’ alias ‘Lamarca J. Benjamin’ also known as ‘Jon Imanol Sapieha Candela’ or ‘El Sapo’, citing grave security threats to key witnesses and national safety concerns.
Morlon, a figure entrenched in Spain’s underworld for over three decades, has been linked to high-profile financial crimes, drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and money laundering across Europe.
In Kenya, he is accused of masterminding a multi-million-shilling gold scam syndicate that primarily targeted foreign investors under the banner of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd.
In an affidavit submitted to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Court, Sergeant Thomas Othoo raised alarms over Morlon’s direct threats to key witnesses and complainants.
Authorities allege that he sent an intimidating image to one of the complainants, Gentil, accompanied by photographs of Gentil’s wife and seven-year-old daughter, warning of grave consequences should the case proceed.
The prosecution argues that these actions were calculated to instill fear and coerce the victim into withdrawing the case.
Given his history of criminal evasion and influence within international syndicates, prosecutors insist that granting Morlon bail would not only jeopardize public safety but also allow him the opportunity to abscond once again.
Morlon now faces charges of fraudulently obtaining over Ksh 12 million from ‘Mercuri Ferdinando G’ on January 20, 2025, under false pretenses that he could facilitate the exportation of 550 kilograms of high-value cargo from Kenya to Dubai.
The scheme was ultimately exposed as another elaborate deception.
This latest charge adds to a prior accusation of defrauding a Romanian and a Swiss national of Ksh 15.5 million ($120,000) in a fake gold deal.
His arrest on February 4, 2025, at Nanyuki’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy led to the seizure of weapons and fraudulent documents.
Among the recovered items were two Glock pistols, more than 90 rounds of 9mm ammunition, multiple gun magazines, forged mineral dealership certificates, a bulletproof vest, 14 smoke grenades, and assorted government seals and stamps.
Investigators confirmed that Morlon is not a licensed firearms holder, deepening suspicions over his ties to organized criminal networks with access to illegal arms.
Following his arraignment on Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains incarcerated at Industrial Area Prison while the court deliberates on his bail application.
His defense team dismissed the allegations as “driven by fear rather than evidence,” but the prosecution has urged the court to deny his release, arguing that his international criminal ties, financial resources, and history of evasion make him a severe flight risk.
The so-called CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd., Lamarca J. Benjamin, alias Morlon Jean Emmanuel, who was recently arrested in connection with the USD 120,000 gold scam, is not who he claims to be.
His real name is Jon Imanol Sapieha Candela, also known as “El Sapo,” and he has a long history in organized crime stretching back over 30 years in Spain.
For those who may not know, El Sapo was a notorious figure in Spain’s criminal underworld, linked to high-level fraud, money laundering, and organized syndicates that operated across Europe.
His name appears in multiple investigations involving large-scale financial crimes, and his activities have even been the subject of a documentary detailing his deep involvement in criminal networks.
El Sapo Fake Gold Syndicate
Five people have been arrested in connection with a Ksh 16 million fake gold scam involving two foreign businessmen.
The suspects include the alleged mastermind Lamarca J. Benjamin, also known as Morlon Jean Emmanuel, and four others who were apprehended in different locations.
The victims, a Romanian and a Swiss national, reported losing USD 120,000 after being promised 550 kilos of gold stored at JKIA.
They filed a complaint at Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, stating that a contact introduced them to Lamarca, who claimed the gold would be cleared and transported once payment was made.
After making the full payment, the victims were allegedly taken in circles without receiving the promised gold.
Detectives raided the offices of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd., where they arrested Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua and seized crucial evidence.
On January 31, officers arrested Samson Kibet Sirkoi before proceeding to Nanyuki’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy on February 2, where they arrested Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate.
During the operation, police recovered two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, a MacBook, expired mineral licences, and a Toyota Land Cruiser V8.
They then escorted Lamarca to his residence at Riverside Pearl in Kileleshwa, where they found three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest, and assorted seals and stamps.
The Firearms Licensing Board confirmed that Lamarca is not a licensed firearm holder.
Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua were arraigned earlier, and investigators obtained custodial orders to complete their inquiries.
The remaining suspects are set to appear in court. Police have warned that fake gold scams targeting foreigners are on the rise and have advised victims to seek assistance from their embassies or the Ministry of Mining before engaging in such deals.
