Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | A police operation in Nairobi’s upscale Runda estate led to the arrest of twelve suspects linked to a sophisticated fake gold scam.
Detectives from the Operations Support Unit apprehended the suspects and seized key materials used in the scheme, including counterfeit gold bars, spray paint, and padlocks, all essential to crafting the imitation gold, authorities reported.
This crackdown followed a recent case in which two foreign investors were deceived into purchasing 35 kilograms of fake gold, resulting in a financial loss of over Ksh. 5 million. Some of those arrested are repeat offenders with multiple pending fraud charges and are expected to face additional accusations connected to this latest scheme in court on Wednesday.
The two foreign victims, reportedly Dubai-based gold traders, were persuaded to travel to Kenya on September 4, 2024, after the scammers lured them with the promise of purchasing large quantities of gold. However, after making payments in three separate transactions, the promised gold was never delivered, and the investors were instead subjected to elaborate diversions.
The scammers’ headquarters, raided by detectives, was meticulously designed to reinforce the illusion of legitimacy. Investigators found walls and decor adorned with gold-colored finishes, alongside a luxurious beverage jar and flags representing Kenya and the East African Community (EAC), all creating an appearance of credibility.
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Among the items seized was a Subaru with a siren, allegedly used by the suspects to escort clients from the airport, only to later defraud them. The detectives also recovered other critical items, including the spray paint and padlocks used to manufacture the fake gold bars.
According to sources, the suspects have evaded legal consequences in previous scams due to their influential connections within government circles. Now detained, they are set to appear in court on Wednesday to face new fraud charges related to this recent scam.
