Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives have arrested 31 suspects in Runda, Ridgeways and Industrial Area parts of Nairobi for defrauding two Dubai-based businessmen over Ksh5.1 million in a fake gold scam.
Detectives from the Operations Support Unit carried out the bust, seizing counterfeit gold, spray paint, padlocks, and metal boxes used to mimic genuine gold bars.
A Subaru vehicle with a siren, allegedly used to impress and escort clients from the airport, was also impounded.
The scam began in September 2024 when the two foreigners were lured to Kenya with promises of a 35-kilogram gold deal.
The suspects, posing as legitimate dealers, convinced them to make payments through several transactions. But once the money was handed over, the scammers vanished, and the promised gold never arrived.
The fraudsters had set up an office decorated to look convincing, with gold-like walls, a golden jar, and official-looking flags to appear trustworthy.
Evidence collected included fake stamps, government authorization certificates, and branded gear to complete the illusion.
Police identified some of the suspects as repeat offenders with pending fraud cases. The suspected leader, Nashon Otieno Angudha, is well-known in the fake gold business, already facing two other court cases.
Despite claims of suspects having connections for protection, they will face additional fraud charges in court on Wednesday November 6, 2024.
