14 Suspects Arrested in Connection with $1.35M Gold Scam in Nairobi
After weeks of surveillance and a relentless hunt, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday, January 10, uncovered the operational base of a gold scamming syndicate and arrested 14 suspects.
The scam, which targeted unsuspecting victims, allegedly swindled over USD 1.35 million, with an American businessman being one of the major victims.
Acting on forensic-led intelligence, the detectives raided a residence identified as House No. 53 along Chalbi Drive in Nairobi’s Lavington area.
The location had reportedly been used as the central hub for executing fraudulent gold transactions and smelting operations. The elaborate scheme involved a purported 2,820 kilograms of gold transacted over several dates between March and May 2024.
Among those arrested at the premises 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. The suspects were found occupying various offices in the building, which served as the operational base for the syndicate.
Authorities seized an array of evidence from the house, including documents, files, stamps, and seals believed to have been used to orchestrate the scam. These materials were allegedly instrumental in deceiving victims into believing they were engaging in legitimate gold transactions.
The arrests follow the earlier arraignment of two other suspects, Eric Kalala Mukendi and Antonucci Sergio Patrick, who are also linked to the same case. The case is set for its first mention at the Milimani Law Courts on January 23, 2025.
The exhibits from the raid have been documented, and the 14 suspects are currently undergoing processing as detectives finalize their investigations. They are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The DCI has reiterated its commitment to dismantling such criminal networks and has urged members of the public to remain vigilant against similar scams.
