Four individuals have been arrested following a successful raid in Gigiri linked to a complex gold scam operation that defrauded unsuspecting victims of large sums of money. The operation was conducted by a coordinated team of detectives who targeted a residence along Whispers Avenue, suspected to be the epicenter of the fraudulent activities.
The suspects, identified as Patroba Odhiambo Tobias, Isaac Forkay Sleyon, Omong Ekoume Louis, and Wadja Bangsi Tang, were taken into custody during the raid. Investigators revealed that the syndicate’s operations extended beyond one location, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the scheme.
During a thorough search of the premises, detectives recovered a range of incriminating items believed to be used in the scam. Among the seized items were a gold smelting machine, various rubber stamps bearing the names of multiple logistics and trading companies, plastic seals, a weighing scale, and a collection of documents stamped with the East African Community emblem. These tools are believed to have played a critical role in creating a false impression of legitimacy to lure and deceive their victims.
Preliminary findings from the investigation revealed that one of the companies associated with the recovered documents, Alaska Express Freight Group Ltd, was recently linked to a complaint involving two Canadian nationals. The foreigners reportedly lost USD 37,500, approximately Ksh 4.8 million, to the fraudulent operation just a week prior to the arrests.
Authorities believe the scam was orchestrated to appear as a legitimate gold trade, targeting both local and international clients. By using fake company documents and high-level logistical props, the fraudsters were able to convincingly present themselves as reputable dealers in the gold business.
The four suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further processing ahead of their formal arraignment in court. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the scam, identify additional victims, and uncover possible accomplices who may still be at large.
This latest bust highlights the growing need for vigilance and due diligence among individuals and companies engaging in cross-border trade and investment, particularly in high-value commodities such as gold.
