CITY SCAMMERS IN SH2.85B GOLD SCAM ARRESTED IN KILELESHWA

In a riveting turn of events, the DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU) has executed a major coup, apprehending a group of city scammers involved in a colossal Sh2.85 billion gold scam in the posh Kileleshwa neighborhood. The cunning fraudsters had set their sights on two unsuspecting Malaysian nationals, luring them into a web of deceit that ultimately led to their dramatic arrest.

The OSU, acting on intelligence reports from the Kilimani Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer, launched a meticulous operation as the two foreign victims arrived in the country. The scammers, operating under the guise of Rock Africa Minier company, initiated contact with the victims via social media in October 2023, proposing a jaw-dropping deal involving 500kg of gold at a staggering USD 19 million, equivalent to Sh2.85 billion. The victims had already transferred USD 6,350 to the gang's counterparts in Cameroon, who then referred them to their Kenyan counterparts.

The unfolding drama saw the scammers whisk the victims from their residence at Four Points By Sheraton along Argwings Kodhek road in Kilimani, using a Toyota Noah (Reg No. KCW 835U), to an office within a private house along Mageta Road in Kileleshwa. A surveillance team shadowed their every move until the scammers abruptly locked them out by shutting the main gate.

Undeterred, the OSU sleuths stealthily infiltrated the compound, triggering a chase that resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, including two G4S security guards. Among those apprehended were Didier Muke (a Congolese with a pending case), Brian Otiende, Patrick Otieno, Joshua Ngandi, Charles Vincent Njerenga, Mark Kabete (G4S), and Ken Kiboi (G4S).

The crime scene yielded a treasure trove of evidence, including metallic boxes, 84 gold-coated metallic bars, smelting tools, computers, documents, and stamps associated with Ace Point International Limited. Notably, assorted G4S uniforms hinted at a well-orchestrated deception.

Several high-end vehicles, believed to be proceeds of the elaborate scam, were also recovered, adding to the intrigue of the case. The suspects, now in custody, are set to face arraignment tomorrow as investigators continue to untangle the layers of this audacious gold con.