Five suspected gold scammers arrested over Ksh.15.5 million fraud

Detectives have arrested five suspects tied to a gold scandal that defrauded two foreign businessmen of USD 120,000 (approximately Ksh. 15.5 million).

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has identified the group’s ringleader as Lamarca J. Benjamin, also known as Morlon Jean Emmanuel, who is purportedly the CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd.

The other suspects involved in the scheme are Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo.

Police said that the complaint against them was lodged at the Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, 2025.

According to the DCI, the complainants were approached by an intermediary who informed them that Lamarca was selling 550 kg of gold.

The gold was allegedly stored in a warehouse at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and awaited clearance for transport on January 20, 2025, contingent upon the payment of USD 120,000.

Following the investigation, detectives raided the AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd. offices, collecting critical evidence and subsequently arresting Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua.

On January 31, 2025, 34-year-old Samson Kibet Sirkoi was also taken into custody. On February 2, 2025, officers moved to Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate in Nanyuki, where they arrested Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo.

During the operation, law enforcement seized two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, a laptop, a MacBook, and six expired mineral licenses.

They also recovered a vehicle with the registration number KCW 880M, which led them to Lamarca's residence at Riverside Pearl in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

Additional items were found, including three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest, and various seals and stamps.

The Firearms Licensing Board has since confirmed that Lamarca is not a licensed firearm holder.

Meanwhile, suspects Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua have been arraigned, and investigators have received custodial orders to continue their inquiry.

The remaining suspects are scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.