Four individuals have been arrested in connection with a high-value fake gold scam in Nairobi’s affluent Runda Estate. The suspects, identified as Felix Odiambo Otieno, Derrick Odhiambo Omore, Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed, and Moses Odhiambo Auma, were apprehended at a residence on plot number 685, Glory Valley Lane. Several other individuals involved in the scheme are reported to have escaped during the operation.
The arrests came as a result of a carefully coordinated operation led by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), with personnel drawn from both the Nairobi regional offices and the Gigiri sub-county. The raid was launched following a complaint by a foreign national who claimed to have lost USD 200,000 (approximately KSh 25.9 million) in a fraudulent gold transaction. The complainant was allegedly lured into a deal involving what he believed to be genuine gold, only to discover later that he had been duped.
Upon storming the residence, investigators uncovered items that pointed to the existence of a sophisticated counterfeit gold operation. Seized at the scene were approximately 9.5 kilograms of fake gold bars, a digital weighing scale, and an electronic gold testing device housed in a plastic briefcase. Additionally, police recovered several documents believed to be linked to the fraudulent activities.
Authorities believe the suspects were part of a broader criminal network targeting unsuspecting investors, particularly foreign nationals, with promises of lucrative gold deals. The use of counterfeit materials, along with testing devices and forged documents, suggests that the syndicate was well-organized and aimed at convincing victims of the authenticity of the gold.
The nature of the scam reflects a growing trend in fake gold fraud schemes that often rely on elaborate setups and smooth-talking con artists. These operations typically involve rental properties in upscale areas, where the syndicates stage fake offices or meeting rooms to lend credibility to their claims. In many cases, victims are shown what appears to be genuine gold, which later turns out to be worthless metal coated to resemble the real thing.
Following the arrest, the suspects were taken into custody as investigations into the syndicate’s operations continue. Authorities are pursuing leads to apprehend the remaining suspects who escaped during the raid. Investigators are also working to determine whether the group has ties to other reported gold scams across the country.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unverified investment opportunities, especially in commodities like gold, which have long been a target for fraudsters. Law enforcement agencies have urged both local and international investors to exercise caution and to conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in any high-value transactions.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities remain committed to dismantling networks involved in fake gold and other financial scams. The recovered materials are currently undergoing forensic analysis, and the suspects are expected to be charged once investigations are complete.
The crackdown highlights the continued efforts by Kenyan authorities to address economic crimes that not only affect individuals but also tarnish the country’s reputation as a business hub.
