This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
June 27, 2021, marked a significant breakthrough for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as it cracked open a new gold scam used by fraudsters at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to swindle businesspeople from around the world.
The scam, which has seen businessmen from across the world lose hundreds of millions of shillings, involves luring unsuspecting investors to view gold at the customs offices at JKIA, the region's preferred international aviation hub.
Once at the airport, a prospective buyer is lured to Swissport's strong room, where what appears to be genuine gold bars are displayed. The client is advised that once the transaction is completed, the gold will be shipped to any destination of his choice across the globe.
However, immediately the buyer is convinced that the transaction is above board and makes payments including customs and shipping costs, that marks the beginning of his tribulations.
One victim of the scam is said to have lost over Sh34 million to the tricksters, who immediately went underground after they received the payments.
The DCI cautioned anyone within or outside the country intending to venture into the gold business, 'to be on the lookout not to fall prey to these amoebic fraudsters, who keep changing tactics and mode of operation.'
When the deal looks too good, think twice and where necessary, kindly confirm the authenticity of the gold deposits with relevant government agencies and more so the DCI, that has come to the aid of so many victims. #FichuakwaDCI 0800722203. USIOGOPE!
