The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has successfully apprehended 14 individuals involved in a fake gold scam, following a thorough investigation and manhunt across Nairobi. The arrests were made after weeks of surveillance and intelligence-gathering on a fraudulent gold trafficking operation.
According to DCI officials, the scam ring, which was responsible for defrauding an American businessman of over USD 1.35 million, used deceptive practices to sell fake gold. The scheme involved a purported transaction for 2,820 kg of gold, which was never delivered to the buyer. The suspects involved in the con were linked to a foreign national who also found themselves in financial loss after the scam.
Based on forensic intelligence, DCI detectives raided a residence located at House No. 53 along Chalbi Drive in the upscale Lavington area of Nairobi. The home was identified as the operational base of the scam ring, where various individuals occupied different offices. Among those arrested were 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, investigators seized critical documents, files, seals, and stamps used to execute the scam and trick other potential victims. These materials were part of the elaborate con that deceived multiple individuals, including the American businessman, who was led to believe that the gold was legitimate.
Previously, two suspects—Eric Kalala Mukendi and Antonucci Sergio Patrick—were arraigned in connection with the scam, with their next court mention scheduled for January 23, 2025, at Milimani Law Courts.
As the investigation continues, authorities have documented all exhibits seized during the raid, with the suspects undergoing processing ahead of their scheduled court appearances.
This operation highlights the DCI’s ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and safeguard the public from such deceptive schemes.
