Eleven Arrested, 350kg of Fake Gold Seized in Nairobi Scam Bust

In a major breakthrough against gold-related fraud in Kenya, detectives have dismantled a suspected international gold scamming syndicate operating out of Nairobi. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that eleven suspects were apprehended and over 350 kilograms of counterfeit gold was seized during the sting operation.

The raid, carried out by officers from the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations office, followed a report by a victim who lost over USD 546,000 (approximately KSh70 million) in a fake gold transaction. The suspects were tracked to a residence in the upscale Spring Valley estate, where the illegal operation was being run.

Among the items recovered were 305 kilograms of counterfeit gold, an electronic gold tester (commonly referred to as a “tester gun”), a weighing machine, and documents believed to have been used to facilitate the scam. A dust coat branded with the Ministry of Mining’s logo was also seized, raising concerns that the scammers may have impersonated government officials to win the trust of their victims.

Authorities revealed that the syndicate is made up of a multinational group—seven Kenyans, two Congolese nationals, and two Cameroonians. All suspects are currently being held at Capitol Hill Police Station as investigations continue. The DCI has indicated they will be arraigned in court in the coming days.

This operation highlights the growing challenge of gold fraud in Nairobi, where criminal networks often target foreign investors and unsuspecting locals by presenting fake gold as genuine, high-value merchandise.

Investigators believe this may be part of a wider, well-organised scamming network and are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to similar schemes to come forward.

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Eleven Arrested, 350kg of Fake Gold Seized in Nairobi Scam Bust