Nairobi — Four foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with a gold scam operation during a raid carried out by detectives from Kenya’s Operation Support Unit (OSU) in the upscale neighborhood of Gigiri. The suspects Patroba Odhiambo Tobias, Isaac Forkay Sleyon, Omong Ekoume Louis, and Wadja Bangsi Tang were apprehended Monday at a private residence along Whispers Avenue. Authorities believe the property was being used as a base for a coordinated international gold fraud scheme.
Police recovered a gold smelting machine, forged documents, and an assortment of rubber stamps bearing the names of multiple entities. Among the company names listed were Alaska Express Freight Group Ltd, Longcrane Logistics Limited, and Kakan Traders and Company. Stamp impressions bearing the East African Community emblem were also found among the recovered materials.
Investigators said preliminary evidence points to a recent incident involving two Canadian nationals who reported being defrauded of $37,500. The victims had reportedly been lured by a deal involving Alaska Express Freight Group Ltd, one of the companies named on the forged stamps.
“The recovered items indicate a well-organized attempt to simulate legitimacy in the gold trade using fake company credentials and regional trade stamps,” said detective .
The suspects are currently in custody as detectives complete the necessary procedures ahead of their arraignment. Authorities are working to determine whether the group is part of a larger cross-border criminal network involved in similar scams.
According to investigators, fake gold trade scams have increasingly targeted foreign investors, promising quick returns on high-value mineral trades that never materialize. Most of these operations use counterfeit documents, forged customs clearances, and fake security seals to mislead victims.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned the public to verify gold dealers through official government channels. “Due diligence is key before engaging in any gold trade deals. Fraudsters continue to exploit ignorance and desperation,” a statement from the DCI read.
The investigation remains active as more victims are being interviewed and additional digital and physical evidence is examined. Authorities say further arrests could follow based on the findings. The suspects are expected to appear in court later this week as the case progresses.
About the Author
