Detectives in Imenti North, Meru County arrested a key suspect linked to a gold investment fraud syndicate that allegedly conned a 61-year-old retired civil servant out of more than Sh7.5 million.
The victim, a former Teachers Service Commission employee, reportedly fell prey to a sophisticated fake-gold investment scheme after being lured by promises of massive returns.
Between February and April 2026, the complainant lost a total of Sh7,595,309 through a series of bank and M-Pesa transactions.
Following painstaking investigations and intelligence-led operations, detectives smoked out the prime suspect, Dennis Kinoti, from his hideout in Gakurine area of Meru County subsequently arresting him.
A search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of several Safaricom SIM cards believed to have been used in the fraudulent scheme.
Detectives also seized a grey Volkswagen Passat suspected to have been purchased using proceeds of crime.
The vehicle was towed to Meru Police Station where it is being detained as exhibit as investigations gather pace.
The suspect was detained pending arraignment, as detectives intensify a manhunt for his accomplices who remain at large.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations warned members of the public against falling for flashy “gold investment” deals promising quick riches, noting that fraudsters are increasingly targeting unsuspecting Kenyans with sophisticated scams disguised as lucrative business opportunities.
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.
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