Four Arrested in Runda Over Sh26M Fake Gold Scam

By: Ivy Gesare

Four men were arrested on Wednesday in Runda Estate after detectives uncovered a fake gold operation involving nearly 10 kilograms of counterfeit gold bars.

The arrests were made by a joint team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nairobi Region and DCI Gigiri, following a tip-off from a foreigner who had allegedly been conned out of USD 200,000 (about KSh 26 million).

“We acted quickly after receiving the report. The suspects were found with fake gold and tools used to deceive buyers,” said one of the officers at the scene, who requested anonymity.

The suspects – Felix Odiambo Otieno, Derrick Odhiambo Omore, Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed, and Moses Odhiambo Auma – were arrested at a house along Glory Valley Lane. Police say several other suspects managed to escape.

Inside the house, detectives recovered fake gold bars weighing approximately 9.5 kg, a weighing machine, a gold tester gun, and a briefcase full of documents believed to be used in the scam.

Neighbors expressed shock. “They looked like regular people. We never suspected anything,” said a woman who lives nearby. “It’s scary to think this was happening right next door.”

The scene was secured and processed by crime scene investigators, and the items recovered were taken in as evidence.

All four suspects are being held in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court soon.

DCI has warned members of the public, especially foreigners, to be cautious when approached with gold deals. “Real gold business doesn’t happen in briefcases or apartments,” a DCI spokesperson said.

Investigations are ongoing as police launch a manhunt for the other individuals who escaped.