NAIROBI — Lupemba Lorenzi Olivier, a Congolese national, has been arraigned before a Nairobi court over allegations of defrauding two Dubai-based companies of over Sh18 million in a fraudulent gold sale scheme.
Olivier appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, where police requested a 10-day detention to complete investigations. He was arrested on July 31, 2025, by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Operations Support Unit.
The allegations stem from a complaint filed by Ulrich Kenney, a Gabonese passport holder and representative of Hala Diamond Gold Trading, and Mekalih Tifre Masho, an Eritrean national representing Jonro Global Trading LLC, both investment firms based in Dubai. The complainants reported the matter to DCI in June 2025 at Capitol Hill Police Station.
According to court documents, Kenney and Masho traveled from Uganda to Kenya on February 27, 2025, seeking investment opportunities in the gold sector. They were introduced to Olivier by a Kenyan businessman named Ali, who claimed Olivier had genuine gold for sale. Initial negotiations took place at a Shell petrol station on State House Road.
On April 10, 2025, the complainants met Olivier and others, including his alleged brother Eric and two shipping agents, at Wu-yi Plaza in Kilimani. The parties agreed on the purchase of 40 kilograms of gold, split evenly between the two companies. A 5-kilogram gold collateral was to be deposited to cover logistical fees.
Hala Diamond Gold Trading transferred USD 140,000 from a Swiss Citi Bank account to Kadiki & Advocates, as instructed by the seller. A 5-kilogram gold collateral was deposited at First Monetary Security Limited, and an additional Sh180,000 was paid via Safaricom Till.
Despite payments, no gold was delivered, prompting the companies to report the matter to police. The DCI requested more time for forensic analysis of Olivier’s mobile phone and to verify his home address. Authorities are also seeking to arrest other suspects linked to the case.
Sergeant Samuel Itegi told the court that releasing Olivier on bail could jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
