Gold Scammers Arrested in USD 120,000 Fraud Case

Gold Scammers- Five individuals accused of orchestrating a gold scam that led to the loss of USD 120,000 by two businessmen are now in police custody. The victims, a Romanian and a Swiss national, were allegedly deceived by fraudsters posing as legitimate gold dealers.

The arrests included Lamarca J. Benjamin, also known as Morlon Jean Emmanuel, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation and the CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd. His accomplices, identified as Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo, were apprehended in different locations across the country.

According to the complaint filed at Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, 2025, the two businessmen were approached by an individual who introduced them to Lamarca. They were informed that Lamarca was engaged in selling 550kg of gold, which was supposedly stored at a warehouse at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, awaiting clearance. The complainants were led to believe that the gold would be transported on January 20, 2025, once a payment of USD 120,000 was made. Trusting the deal to be genuine, they transferred the money but soon realized they had fallen into a trap when they were met with delays and excuses regarding the shipment of the gold.

Authorities launched an investigation into the fraudulent transaction, leading to a raid on AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd offices. During the operation, law enforcement officers collected crucial evidence, which resulted in the immediate arrest of Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua. A few days later, on January 31, police took 34-year-old Samson Kibet Sirkoi into custody. The search for the other suspects continued, leading detectives to Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki, where they found Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo on February 2. The two were arrested at House No. 12.

During the operation, authorities seized several items believed to be linked to the fraudulent activities. These included two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, an Apple laptop, a MacBook, and six expired mineral licenses. Additionally, a silver Toyota Landcruiser V8, bearing registration number KCW 880M, was confiscated along with various documents.

The search extended to Lamarca’s residence at Riverside Pearl in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, where additional evidence was uncovered. Among the items found were three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest, and various seals and stamps. Following the raid, the Firearms Licensing Board confirmed that Lamarca did not possess a valid firearm license.

The case has since moved to court, with Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua already arraigned. Investigators were granted custodial orders to finalize their inquiries.

 

The remaining suspects are scheduled to appear before the court today, Tuesday, February 4. Authorities continue to probe deeper into the case, seeking to establish whether additional individuals were involved in the elaborate scheme.

Gold scams have become a pressing concern in Kenya, with many unsuspecting investors falling victim to fraudulent transactions. The latest case serves as a reminder for individuals engaging in gold trade to exercise due diligence before committing funds. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to dismantling syndicates involved in such criminal enterprises. The swift action taken in this case is expected to send a strong warning to fraudsters operating under the guise of legitimate business dealings.

The authorities encourage anyone who may have fallen prey to similar fraudulent activities to come forward and report the incidents. The investigation remains active as police work to ensure that all individuals linked to the scam are brought to justice.