Several suspects were arrested on Wednesday in Nairobi over alleged involvement in a gold scam involving two foreign nationals.
The arrests were made by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Operations Support Unit in an operation.
The DCI, in a statement, confirmed the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of various tools of trade believed to be linked to the purported Sh2.85 billion fraudulent scheme.
The operation was launched after the DCI received intelligence reports through the area Subcounty Criminal Investigations Officer on the deal against the two foreign nationals.
“The DCI OSU deployed a surveillance team after the two victims jetted in the country,” DCI said.
Reportedly, the suspects using a well-known mining company had contacted the complainants as from October 19, 2023 through social media.
“The suspects had alleged to transact with them 500Kg of Gold at Usd19 million equivalent to Sh2.85 billion,” the DCI noted.
In the deal, the complainants had previously transferred a portion of the necessary funds to members of the group located in a different foreign country, who then directed the two to their accomplices in Kenya.
The DCI reported that they tracked the suspects as they collected the two foreigners from their hotel using a Toyota Noah.
The suspects then escorted them to an office situated in a private residence within the city. The surveillance team closely monitored the situation until the main gate was closed, effectively locking them out.
“As the sleuths stealthily gained entry into the compound, some suspects jumped over the fence at the back side of the compound, leading to a chase that saw seven of them arrested including two escapees,” DCI said.
The scene was thoroughly examined, leading to the recovery of various exhibits.
These included metallic boxes, 84 gold-coated metallic bars, smelting equipment, computers, assorted documents and stamps, and uniforms from recognized companies.
Additionally, the DCI reported the seizure of five motor vehicles, suspected to be acquired from criminal activities. The collected evidence was secured while the suspects were being prepared for their court arraignment scheduled for Thursday.