A woman believed to be the mastermind behind a gold scam that fleeced an American national of USDT 431,380 was arrested by detectives domiciled at the DCI Nairobi Regional Headquarters.
According to the police, the con game began with sweet promises and polished deals, as the smooth-talking suspects convinced the foreign investor they could supply 400 kilograms of genuine gold bars.
Hooked by the seemingly lucrative deal, the American national flew into Nairobi to seal the agreement, unaware he was stepping straight into a carefully staged trap.
Investigators say everything appeared convincing, as documents were drawn, negotiations held, and once the fraudulent agreement was signed, the victim transferred millions into the suspects’ bank accounts believing the gold shipment would be delivered as agreed.
But no sooner had the cash hit the accounts than the so-called “gold dealers” vanished into thin air. Calls went unanswered, and not a single gram of gold was delivered.
It then dawned on the victim that he had been taken for a ride, prompting him to report the matter to the DCI.
Detectives immediately launched a painstaking manhunt, piecing together forensic leads that eventually led them to Crystal Villas in Kilimani, where the prime suspect, Mildred Kache aka Sabreena Ayesha was cornered and arrested.
Her accomplice, Ibrahim Yusuf Mohamed, however, sensed the detectives closing in and slipped through the net, abandoning a black Mercedes-Benz E50.
The vehicle was seized and towed to the Nairobi Regional Headquarters yard where it is being detained as exhibit in the ongoing investigations.
Detectives said they were in hot on the heels of the other suspect who managed to evade capture.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has reiterated its commitment to dismantling transnational fraud syndicates, disrupting organised investment scams, and ensuring that proceeds of crime are identified, traced, and recovered in accordance with the law.
Businesspersons are reminded to be wary of rings of organized fraudsters who sit in opulence, grabbing every slight opportunity to gain from the toil and sweat of genuine traders.
Director DCI Mohammed Amin implored on members of the public to remain alert when engaging in the so called gold bussiness as it has been established that fake gold merchants are once again trying to establish their foothold in the capital city.
Dozens of the fake gold dealers have been arrested in a series of police operations in the country. This is the latest such case involving Kenyans and foreigners who are conned over fake gold scams.
Cases where foreigners are being conned or money over fake gold on sale are on the rise.
Police have been asking foreigners seeking to purchase gold in the country to always seek the help of their respective embassies.
Police say they have arrested dozens involved in the cases and charged them in courts.
READ ALSO;