Six suspects accused of involvement in a Sh70 million fake gold scam have appeared in court, but they did not take a plea after the prosecution failed to present a ready charge sheet.
The six appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego, who declined the prosecution’s request for more time to complete investigations.
The magistrate will deliver a ruling on July 1, 2025, on whether to close the miscellaneous case file and whether the suspects’ passports should be released to investigators.
Court delays plea taking in gold fraud case
The suspects were expected to plead to charges linked to alleged gold fraud.
However, the prosecution informed the court that investigations were still ongoing.
Magistrate Alego declined the request for adjournment and set a date to issue directions on the matter.
Lawyer Danstan Omari is representing the suspects, while lawyer Kimani Wachira is holding brief for the two complainants.
Six suspects linked to fake gold scam
The suspects include Nfundiko Kamira Jean Marie, Alan Zaphenia Onyango, Edward Leonard Ochieng, Shem Omollo Onyango, Peter Lukabaya Mulamba, and Ibrahim Nsangou.
They are accused of obtaining about USD 546,000, equivalent to approximately Sh70 million, from two complainants.
The complainants, Ramadhan Suleiman Mohamed and George William Betoka, reported that the suspects allegedly presented fake gold nuggets during a transaction.
Police investigate alleged gold deal
According to an affidavit filed by Chief Inspector Leah Ambiche, the suspects allegedly used fake documents and equipment to convince the complainants that they were dealing in genuine gold.
The items included metallic boxes containing suspected fake gold nuggets, weighing machines, an electronic gold tester, and documents bearing Ministry of Mining logos.
Investigators also recovered items such as a dust coat, helmet, seals, and an unidentified liquid allegedly used during the scheme.
Suspects allegedly received Sh70 million payment
The court heard that the complainants intended to buy 150 kilograms of gold from Jean Marie.
Investigators said the parties agreed on a purchase price of USD 65,000 per kilogram.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly showed gold samples at a residence in Muthaiga.
The samples were tested using an electronic gold tester, with one suspect allegedly posing as a mining official.
Investigators claim the suspects later provided 7 kilograms of alleged gold as collateral before receiving USD 546,000 from the buyers.
However, the complainants later discovered that the collateral stored at MySafe Place in Sarit Centre contained stones instead of gold.
Suspects remain out on bail
The suspects are currently out on a cash bail of Sh500,000 each as investigations continue.
The court will determine the next steps after reviewing the progress of investigations.
The matter will be mentioned on July 1, 2025.
