Detectives from Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested a Francis Talla Oufa, a Cameroonian who is behind a sophisticated fake gold scheme that swindled a Canadian investor USD 618, 000 (Ksh79, 868, 137).
In November 2024, while still in Canada, the victim was drawn into an enticing deal involving the purchase of 250 kilograms of gold.
Lured by the promise of hefty returns, he travelled to Kenya in April this year to seal the deal.
“Upon arrival, he was ushered into plush, high-end offices by an alleged business partner, an elaborate front designed to project the illusion of a thriving, legitimate gold enterprise” Directorate of Criminal Investigations said in a statement.
The victim was then introduced to a network of well-rehearsed con artists, and convinced of their credibility, he handed over USD 618,000 before reality struck hard that he had been conned.
Investigations were launched, and detectives, through forensic leads, trailed and arrested the suspect.
A search was conducted in the suspect’s vehicle and residence in Belfair Park, Dagoretti and the following items recovered: gold transaction-related documents and seals, a staff card for Sunshine Minerals Ltd bearing the suspect’s name with the designation “Engineer Mining”, two laptops, three mobile phones and other items linked to the scheme.
The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing processing, as detectives pursue additional leads to apprehend his accomplices.