On Wednesday, December 11, four individuals were arrested in connection with a high-profile gold scam that defrauded a businessman from Niger of USD 100,000.

The suspects, Susan Wanjeri Kogi, Elvis Muga Ouma, Nazlin Karim Rahimbux, and Hubbard Kanyago Ndong’o, were arraigned at Milimani Law Courts on charges of conspiracy to defraud and forgery.

Their scam is part of a much larger operation that stretches across borders to Mali and Dubai.

The fraud was uncovered by the DCI Operation Support Unit, which has been investigating the scam since early February 2024.

The victim, whose company is based in Dubai, had been attempting to purchase, clear, and transport 100kg of gold from Mali.

Unfortunately, the victim lost over USD 5,000,000 to the scammers during the course of the transaction, which was supposed to cover the gold purchase and shipping expenses.

The fraudsters, posing as Customs officials in Nairobi, claimed that the gold consignment had been confiscated while in transit.

The scammers then introduced another layer to the deceit, instructing the victim to pay USD 100,000 to DARDESSA Logistics Limited, a fake Kenyan company, which they claimed was holding the gold.

After the victim sent the money, they received a confirmation from Susan Wanjeri.

When the victim arrived in Kenya, the fake agents made multiple attempts to extract even more funds from him, raising his suspicions.

Realizing the scam, the businessman reported the matter to authorities.

In response, the DCI launched an intelligence-led operation, swiftly apprehending the suspects at different locations across Nairobi.

The accused individuals were brought to court where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were granted a bond of Sh 500,000 or a cash bail of Sh 200,000. The case will be mentioned on January 21, 2025.

The authorities continue to urge caution and advise businesses to be extra cautious when dealing with large international transactions.