12 suspects arrested as police bust fake gold scam syndicate in Runda

Twelve suspects linked to a fake gold scam syndicate have been arrested in a crackdown by detectives from the Operations Support Unit in Nairobi's Runda estate.

During the operation, investigators seized key evidence, including counterfeit gold, spray paint, and padlocks used to create the fake gold.

The arrests followed a scam in which two foreign nationals were duped into purchasing 35 kilograms of fake gold, losing over Ksh.5 million in the process.

Some of the suspects are known repeat offenders who face multiple fraud charges in court and are expected to face additional charges related to this latest scam on Wednesday.

The foreigners, who were lured to Kenya on September 4, 2024, by the scammers, were convinced to purchase 35 kilograms of gold through three separate transactions.

However, after making the payments, they were taken on a wild goose chase, and the gold was never delivered.

So, how did these Dubai-based gold traders, clearly familiar with the business, fall into the hands of these fraudsters?

The answer lies in the very offices raided by the detectives, the office of the syndicate’s director is extravagantly decorated with what appears to be gold-adorned walls, a beverage jar that looks golden, and even flags; a Kenyan flag and an East African community flag adding to the veneer of legitimacy to the scam.

Among the exhibits recovered were a Subaru vehicle, complete with a siren, reportedly used to escort unsuspecting clients from the airport, only for them to later become victims of the scam.

Also seized were crucial tools such as spray paint and padlocks used to create the fake gold.

The suspects, all known repeat offenders with ongoing fraud cases in court, are said to have powerful connections within government circles, which have reportedly shielded them from past actions.

They will be arraigned on Wednesday to face charges of fraud.