Kenyan authorities have arrested five suspects linked to a Sh15 million fake gold scam targeting Romanian and Swiss investors. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recovered weapons, ammunition, and fake documentation during the operation.
Among those arrested is the alleged mastermind, Lamarca J. Benjamin, alias Morlon Jean Emmanuel, the purported CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd. Other suspects include Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo, who were captured at various hideouts across the country.
Elaborate Gold Scam Unveiled
The victims were introduced to Lamarca as a gold dealer offering 550kg of gold, allegedly stored at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). They were promised delivery on January 20, 2025, upon payment of USD 120,000 (Sh15 million). However, after making the payment, the investors never received the gold and were strung along with false promises.
Realizing they had been defrauded, the victims reported the case to Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29. DCI detectives launched investigations, raiding AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd and recovering key evidence. Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua were arrested at the company’s offices, while Samson Kibet Sirkoi was later apprehended.
On Sunday, detectives tracked Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo to Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate in Nanyuki’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where they were arrested. A search of their residence uncovered:
- Two Glock pistols
- 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition
- 14 smoke grenades
- A bulletproof vest
- A pair of handcuffs
- Multiple expired mineral licenses
- A Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (KCW 880M)
- Seals and assorted documents
At Lamarca’s Riverside Pearl residence in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, additional items were seized, including three tracer bullets, more smoke grenades, and counterfeit seals and stamps. The Firearms Licensing Board confirmed that Lamarca was not a licensed firearm holder.
Gold Scamming on the Decline, But Fraudsters Still Active
DCI Director Mohammed Amin stated that gold scamming operations have significantly reduced, though some fraudsters continue to operate through rogue lawyers who set up escrow accounts to siphon funds. He warned that some scammers have relocated to neighbouring countries and urged investors to verify entities offering high-value metal deals.
Previous High-Profile Gold Scam Arrest
This latest case follows the December 2024 arrest of Steve Okoth Odek, alias David Bett, who orchestrated a Sh33 million gold fraud targeting a foreign investor. Odek promised over 500kg of gold, priced at USD 40,000 per kilogram, but failed to deliver. Instead, he manipulated the victim into covering jet chartering, taxes, and insurance fees, extending the scam further.
Authorities continue cracking down on fraudulent gold deals, warning investors to conduct due diligence before engaging in such transactions.
