Directorate Of Criminal Investigations office in Nairobi
Detectives have dismantled a gold scamming
syndicate that has been preying on unsuspecting victims.
Eleven suspects were arrested in an operation mounted by detectives drawn from the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations office and 350 kilograms of counterfeit gold seized
during the raid.
The breakthrough came after a victim
reported being defrauded of USD546,000 (Sh70,652,400) in a fraudulent gold
scheme.
Acting on this critical lead, detectives launched investigations and,
after receiving credible intelligence, traced the suspects to their hideout in
the Spring Valley estate, Nairobi.
Upon search, investigators discovered 305 kilograms of fake gold, a weighing machine and an
electronic gold tester commonly referred to as a “tester gun.”
Additionally, documents and a dust coat emblazoned with the Ministry of Mining
logo were found, suggesting that the suspects were using the items to gain
the trust of potential victims in their fraudulent operations.
The suspects include a
multi-national group comprising seven Kenyans, two Congolese citizens and two Cameroonians.
All 11 suspects have been taken into
custody at the Capitol Hill police station, where they are currently undergoing
processing.
The DCI said they are expected to be arraigned in court soon.
The fake gold and other seized items
are being held as evidence while detectives continue to investigate what
appears to be a well-organised and scamming network.