Two suspects accused of orchestrating a fake gold scheme that allegedly swindled foreign investors of more than Sh58 million will remain in custody until May 19, when the matter will be heard.
Kache Mildred, also known as Sabreena Ayesha, and Ahmed Bashar Mohamed were arraigned before Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo on Monday over allegations of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud.
During the proceedings, defence lawyers sought an adjournment, arguing that they had only recently been served with the miscellaneous application and needed more time to prepare a response.
“We have had a look at the miscellaneous application dated May 18 and consulted our legal teams. We pray that the matter be heard tomorrow as the affidavit contains over 25 paragraphs,” the defence submitted.
The lawyers further told the court that they needed adequate time to peruse the court file and properly respond to the issues raised by the prosecution.
Magistrate Onsarigo directed that the two suspects be detained at Kilimani Police Station pending the hearing of the application on May 19 at 10am.
According to the miscellaneous application, the two allegedly deceived complainants Terry Lee Schrubb Jr and Kenneth J. Adler into believing they were genuine gold dealers capable of exporting gold from Kenya to Dubai.
The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) told the court that the complainants made several payments, including USD11,000 for documentation and testing, USD56,000 for smelting charges, USD231,000 for insurance, and USD121,000 for cargo jet services.
The DCI further alleged that Mohamed used his Binance wallet to receive funds from the complainants before transferring part of the money to Mildred and other accomplices still at large.
Court documents also state that the Mildred resisted arrest by locking herself inside House Number 10 at Crystal Villas before attempting to flee by climbing over the perimeter wall.
Officers from the DCI Nairobi Region reportedly intercepted and arrested her.
This is the latest such case of fake gold where foreigners are being conned of money.
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.
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