Antonucci Sergio Arrested in Nairobi Over Gold Scam
Sergio Patrick implicated in Ksh173.9 million fraud case involving fake gold deal
Antonucci Sergio Patrick was arrested in Nairobi on December 15, 2024, by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with a gold scam valued at Ksh173.9 million (USD 1.35 million).
According to DCI, the arrest follows an extensive investigation that revealed Sergio’s involvement in a fraudulent gold transaction that targeted a victim in a large-scale scam involving thousands of kilograms of gold. Sergio was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretenses, following his extradition from Dubai.
Investigations indicate that Sergio met the complainant in Las Vegas, Nevada, in July 2023. He introduced himself as a former banker, investor, and legal consultant specializing in complex business transactions in hostile markets. Impressed by his credentials, the complainant contracted Sergio to assist with his gold transactions in Africa, assuming that he was licensed. The victim paid Sergio a total of USD 80,000 between August 2023 and February 2024, including a USD 50,000 signing bonus.
In a wider scheme, Sergio, along with accomplices—including Eric Kalala Mukendi, a Congolese national—fleeced the victim, prompting him to travel to Nairobi. Upon arrival, the victim was introduced to Caden Gebhard, an alleged U.S. soldier, who purportedly had key contacts in Africa.
The victim, under the false impression that the deal was legitimate, entered into a sales and purchase agreement for 2820kg of gold with AERO Logistics, paying over USD 1.27 million in various installments between March and May 2024. However, the promised gold consignment was never delivered.
Sergio was arraigned at Milimani Law Courts on December 16, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was granted bail of Ksh 10 million, with one Kenyan surety, and his case is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on January 23, 2025. The DCI continues to investigate the involvement of additional accomplices in the scam.