In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested 14 individuals linked to an elaborate gold scam that defrauded an American businessman of over USD 1.35 million. The arrests followed weeks of surveillance and an intelligence-led investigation that ultimately led to the discovery of the scam’s operational base.
The suspects, who were arrested at a property in Lavington, Nairobi, were allegedly involved in a complex scheme where they deceived the businessman into purchasing a purported 2,820kg load of gold between March and May 2024. The gold, however, turned out to be non-existent, and the elaborate scam left the victim financially devastated as he departed the country.
The raid, conducted today at House No. 53 along Chalbi Drive, was the culmination of diligent forensic work and undercover operations. The 14 suspects arrested 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. These individuals were found occupying various offices within the premises, which was used as the center of the fraudulent operations.
During the raid, detectives seized a range of incriminating items, including official-looking documents, files, stamps, and seals, which were used to facilitate the scam. These items were crucial in deceiving the victim and other individuals who may have fallen prey to the same fraudulent activities.
Earlier, two other suspects, Eric Kalala Mukendi and Antonucci Sergio Patrick, had already been arrested and arraigned in connection with the scam. Their case is set to be mentioned again on January 23, 2025, at Milimani Law Courts.
As the 14 newly arrested suspects are processed, the authorities are continuing their investigations into the full extent of the gold scam and its network of perpetrators. The suspects will be arraigned in court on Monday.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of financial crimes and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when dealing with high-value transactions. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities and remain cautious of scams that prey on unsuspecting victims.