3 flamboyant politicians being investigated in Sh1 billion gold scam
A Member of Parliament representing Nairobi County has emerged as one of three individuals of interest in a counterfeit gold scheme worth an estimated Sh1 billion.
The other two suspects are a fellow Member of Parliament hailing from the Nyanza region and a first-term serving senator.
Also read: Weapon ties: Inside the Sh67.3m gold scam and what DCI is uncovering
On Friday, September 8, 2023, a significant breakthrough occurred in the ongoing investigation as ten suspects, including a police officer stationed in Kitui County, were apprehended in the Garden City area.
Dedicated detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) carried out the operation.
A confidential source within the DCI revealed to Nairobi News, “These are the individuals who acted as guarantors in the fraudulent scheme. The three prominent figures will be required to provide statements concerning their involvement.”
Allegedly, the lawmakers attempted to leverage their influence by making numerous phone calls in an unsuccessful attempt to secure the release of the trio.
All three lawmakers are currently serving their first terms in parliament and have previously been associated with counterfeit gold transactions.
However, one of them vehemently denied any involvement and insisted on his innocence regarding the fake gold deal.
Also read: Politicians arrested in gold scam released on a cash bail
The DCI’s Director, Mr Amin Mohammed, disclosed that the operation was initiated in response to a complaint lodged by a Tunisian national who suspected being defrauded.
Mr Mohammed personally visited the crime scene during the raid on Friday, September 8, 2023. Detectives confiscated counterfeit gold and fake U.S. dollars, materials frequently employed by these scammers in their deceitful practices against unsuspecting businesspeople.
Regarding the ongoing investigation, Mr Amin Mohammed stated, “The operation began in Tunisia when they claimed to be capable of selling him gold. When he grew suspicious and reported the matter, we initiated our pursuit.”
He further noted that the fraudsters habitually exploit the names of influential individuals when engaging in such fraudulent transactions.
The victim arrived in Kenya on Friday, September 1, 2023, but found himself stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for an hour, with no one there to meet him.
Subsequently, a taxi driver approached him, offering to ensure his safe arrival at his destination, to which the victim agreed.
He was then taken to the Ngara area, where he remained for over a week before being directed to visit an office located in Garden Estates.
Also read: How Cameroonian in Sh53 million gold scam was ‘arrested’ at JKIA while trying to flee