Second Suspect Arrested in Ksh 28 Million Gold Scam

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a second suspect linked to a multi-million-dollar gold scam that defrauded an American national of $217,900 (Ksh 28,070,933) in a fake gold deal.

In a statement, the DCI said sleuths from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) apprehended Mohammed Noor Muhyadhin Mohammed over alleged money laundering involving proceeds of crime.

Mohammed’s arrest comes days after the arraignment of Willis Onyango Wasonga, alias Marcus, before the Milimani Law Courts on February 16, 2026.

Wasonga was charged with multiple offences, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and several counts related to the acquisition, possession, and use of proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).

Suspicious $217,900 Transfer

According to investigators, on February 3, 2026, Mohammed allegedly received a swift transfer of USD 217,900 through his company account at the National Bank of Kenya.

The funds were reportedly debited from the accounts of MOAC Advocates held at the same bank.

The money was purportedly payment for 495 kilograms of gold that was never delivered to the victim.

“Barely had the dollars hit his account than Mohammed wired the entire amount overseas,” the DCI stated.

The funds were allegedly transferred to accounts held by Tecno Mobile Limited at Citibank in Hong Kong, reportedly to facilitate a shipment of mobile phones that has yet to arrive in Kenya.

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Forex Bureau Under Investigation

Further investigations revealed that Mohammed maintained a decade-long business relationship with a forex bureau located along Standard Street in Nairobi.

Detectives believe the bureau played a significant role in facilitating substantial cross-border transfers, including the transaction under investigation.

Authorities are probing the forex bureau’s involvement in what they describe as a well-orchestrated laundering scheme.

Alleged Debt Agreement a ‘Smokescreen’

In an attempt to legitimise the transaction, MOAC Advocates presented a debt settlement agreement allegedly signed by Mohammed and another suspect who remains at large.

However, detectives dismissed the document as fraudulent.

“Detectives have determined that the document was merely a smokescreen, a paper shield crafted to conceal a fraudulent enterprise,” the DCI said.

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Suspect in Custody, More Arrests Expected

Mohammed is currently in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment.

Meanwhile, detectives are pursuing three additional suspects believed to be part of the scheme.

The case, authorities say, highlights the DCI’s ongoing crackdown on gold scams and money laundering networks targeting both local and international investors.

“This case highlights the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ commitment in the fight against gold scams and money laundering, through relentless pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit investors and tarnish the country’s reputation,” the agency stated.

Members of the public have been urged to report suspicious activities through the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative by calling 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.

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