Two Suspected Gold Scammers Arrested in Ksh 720 Million Fraud Scheme

How Did the Ksh 720 Million Gold Fraud Unfold?

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspected gold fraudsters linked to a Ksh 720 million (USD 5.6 million) scam targeting an American businesswoman. The suspects, identified as Michael Otieno Onyango and Andrew Clifford Otieno, allegedly lured the victim into a fake deal involving the sale of 70 kilograms of gold.

The DCI reported that the businesswoman, wary of potential fraud, requested that the gold be tested and verified by the Ministry of Mining before making any payment. Although the suspects initially agreed, they failed to show up for the scheduled test, raising her suspicions.

A second meeting was arranged, during which she was picked up from Yaya Centre in Kilimani by a man posing as an associate. Instead of heading to the testing site, she was taken to Rose Villa Estate, where the two suspects were waiting.

“As negotiations began, the scammers attempted to persuade her to finalise the phony deal, but their efforts fell on deaf ears. Sensing something was amiss, they suddenly grew suspicious and fled the scene,” said the DCI in a statement.

What Did Detectives Discover During the Arrest?

A swift police chase led to the interception and arrest of the fleeing suspects. They were escorted back to the Rose Villa Estate property, where detectives conducted a detailed search.

Inside the house, investigators recovered two smelting machines and nineteen smelting moulds, all of which were confiscated as evidence linked to the fraudulent operation.

The DCI confirmed that investigations into the multi-million shilling scam are ongoing as authorities work to uncover other possible accomplices and networks involved in the gold fraud scheme.

By Lucky Anyanje