POLICE ARREST 5 FOR SCAMMING FAKE GOLD TO FOREIGNERS WORTH KSh 18.7 MILLION

Kenyan authorities have arrested five suspects in connection with a gold fraud in Kenya, where two foreign businessmen—a Romanian and a Swiss national—lost KSh 18.7 million ($120,000) in a fake gold syndicate in Nairobi. The suspected mastermind, Lamarca J. Benjamin, also known as Morlon Jean Emmanuel, was arrested alongside his accomplices after a thorough investigation by the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

According to reports, the victims were misled into believing that Lamarca was selling 550kg of gold stored in a warehouse near JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport). The shipment was supposedly scheduled for transport on January 20, 2025, pending full payment. However, after transferring KSh 18.7 million, they received only excuses instead of their promised gold. The businessmen reported the scam at Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, prompting an investigation by the DCI. The probe led officers to AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd, a company linked to the operation. This resulted in the arrest of Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua. On January 31, Samson Kibet Sirkoi was also taken into custody. The final arrests occurred on February 2, when police tracked Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki.

During the operation, authorities recovered two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a bulletproof vest, a laptop, a MacBook, six expired mineral licenses, and a Toyota Land Cruiser V8. A subsequent raid at Lamarca’s Kileleshwa residence uncovered additional evidence, including three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, and various official seals and stamps. The Firearms Licensing Board confirmed that Lamarca was not a registered firearm holder.

The first two suspects, Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua, have already appeared in court, while the remaining suspects are set for arraignment today, February 4. Authorities are warning investors to be cautious of the rising gold scam cases in Kenya. They urge due diligence to avoid becoming victims of fraud, particularly in cases involving high-value transactions such as JKIA gold fraud cases.

With recent gold fraud cases in Kenya on the rise, authorities emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of gold dealers. Investors are advised to conduct background checks and work with registered and accredited dealers to prevent falling victim to similar scams.