One of the suspects, Bahati Holela Ismael, has been detained for 10 days, while Ruth Chemutai Tegei and Dolphine Chegata Chemos were released on bail.
The three appeared before Milimani Law Courts Magistrate Lucas Onyina after police requested more time to complete investigations.
Police seek 10 days to investigate gold fraud claims
The suspects were arrested on July 31, 2025, at PDL Complex go-down located at City Cabanas along Mombasa Road.
According to an affidavit filed by Corporal Peter Mwangi, members of the public reported suspicious activities involving vehicles and people who had spent the entire day inside the premises.
Police officers from DCI Embakasi responded to the report and found a group of 11 men and two women at the location.
Police discover suspicious gold transaction items
The court heard that eight of the men were providing security for two foreign nationals, Mohamed Hassan Dahir and Rateb Mahmoud Ali, who are Canadian and Syrian nationals respectively.
During the operation, officers discovered 30 wooden boxes and 12 metallic boxes similar to those used for transporting goods.
Corporal Mwangi told the court that the boxes appeared prepared for transportation but were later found to be empty.
“The boxes were later processed and found to be empty even though they were wrapped and sealed as if they were loaded,” the court heard.
Fake gold deal suspected
Police told the court that the suspects claimed to be workers at the go-down but failed to explain who their employer was or the nature of the business being conducted there.
Investigators said they recovered items including seals, wrapping materials, and invoices.
According to police, the items suggested that a fake gold transaction was taking place before officers interrupted the operation.
Court releases two suspects on bail
The DCI asked the court to detain all three suspects for 10 days to allow investigations to continue.
Police said they needed time to establish Ismael’s nationality and analyse electronic devices recovered from the suspects.
However, Magistrate Lucas Onyina ruled that only Ismael presented a flight risk because he lacked identification documents and did not have a known place of residence.
“Only the first respondent is a flight risk. The other two have known abode and nationality,” the magistrate ruled.
Gold fraud case to continue
The court ordered Bahati Holela Ismael to remain in custody for 10 days as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Ruth Chemutai Tegei and Dolphine Chegata Chemos were released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 each and required to provide one contact person.
The matter will be mentioned on August 14, 2025, as police continue with investigations into the alleged gold fraud scheme.
