Nairobi: Undercover Detectives Chase, Nab 7 Gold Scammers Planning To Con Foreigners KSh 2.84b

• The DCI detectives recovered multiple tools of trade involved in the KSh 2.85 billion botched fraud
• In the deal, the DCI stated that the complainants had already sent USD 6,350 (KSh 998,000) to members of the gang based in Cameroon
• The DCI further said that the scammers were trailed as they picked up the two foreigners from their hotel Four Points By Sheraton

Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than 10 years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi - Detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested several suspects involved in a mega-gold scam that targeted two Malaysian nationals.

The detectives recovered multiple tools of trade involved in the KSh 2.85 billion botched fraud.

Having received an intelligence report through the Kilimani sub-county DCI officer on the scamming deal planned against the two foreign men, the OSU deployed a surveillance team after the two victims jetted into the country.

"Reportedly, the scammers using Rock Africa Minier company had contacted the complainants as of October 19, 2023, through a social media platform. The suspects had alleged to transact with them 500Kg of Gold at USD 19 million equivalent to KSh 2.85 billion," the DCI said.

What were the issues DCI raised

In the deal, the DCI stated that the complainants had already sent USD 6,350 (KSh 998,000) to members of the gang based in Cameroon, who referred the two to their Kenyan accomplices.

The DCI further said that the scammers were trailed as they picked up the two foreigners from their hotel Four Points By Sheraton along Argwings Kodhek road in Kilimani using a Toyota Noah Reg No. KCW 835U.

They were taken to an office in a private house along Mageta Road within Kileleshwa, where the surveillance team followed closely before the main gate was shut, locking them out.

"As the sleuths stealthily gained entry into the compound, some suspects jumped over the fence at the back side of the compound, leading to a chase that saw seven of them arrested including two escapees," the DCI said.

The suspects, who included two G4S security guards, are: Didier Muke (a Congolese with a pending case and passport deposited in court), Brian Otiende, Patrick Otieno, Joshua Ngandi, Charles Vincent Njerenga (whisked from a getaway bike and in hospital), Mark Kabete (G4S), and Ken Kiboi (G4S).

"The scene was processed and several exhibits recovered including metallic boxes, 84 gold coated metallic bars, smelting tools, computers, documents and stamps for Ace Point International Limited and assorted G4S uniforms,2 the police report reads.

What were the Kenyan cars recovered

Also recovered and believed to be proceeds of crime include the following motor vehicles:

• Toyota Noah white in colour, Reg no. KCW 835U
• Toyota Crown black in colour, Reg no. KDB 090W
• Mercedes-Benz white in colour, Reg no. KCQ 138T
• Toyota G-Touring white in colour Reg no. KAX 260R
• Toyota double cab Reg no. KCH 622T branded G4S

DCI said that all exhibits have been secured as the suspects are being processed for arraignment.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court found two detectives guilty of soliciting a bribe and threatening the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers on duty.

Corporal Julius Onyango Oguma and Constable Charles Macharia Wanjiru were accused of attempting to extort KSh 1 million from a Japanese national whom they accused of being in Kenya illegally.

The EACC officers acting on leads would bust them before opening fire on them, adding to their initial charge count.