NAIROBI, Kenya- Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested a woman linked to a multi-million dollar fake gold scheme that allegedly defrauded an American national of USDT 431,380, equivalent to more than Sh56 million.
The suspect, identified as Mildred Kache alias Sabreena Ayesha, was arrested at Crystal Villas in Kilimani following what investigators described as a painstaking manhunt.
According to detectives based at the DCI Nairobi Regional Headquarters, the fraud syndicate lured the foreign investor with promises of supplying 400 kilograms of genuine gold bars.
Investigators say the suspects orchestrated a sophisticated con game complete with convincing paperwork, polished negotiations and what appeared to be legitimate business dealings.
Believing he was entering into a lucrative gold trade agreement, the American national reportedly travelled to Nairobi to finalise the deal.
After signing the agreement, the victim transferred the millions into bank accounts linked to the suspects, expecting delivery of the consignment.
However, shortly after the money hit the accounts, the alleged dealers disappeared without delivering any gold.
“The victim realised he had been conned after calls went unanswered and no shipment was forthcoming,” detectives said.
The matter was later reported to the DCI, triggering investigations that led officers to the Kilimani apartment where Mildred was arrested.
Her alleged accomplice, identified as Ibrahim Yusuf Mohamed, reportedly escaped moments before detectives closed in.
Police said the suspect abandoned a black Mercedes-Benz E50 registration number KCV 910C during the escape.
The vehicle has since been seized and towed to the Nairobi Regional Headquarters as investigations continue.
Detectives say Mildred remains in police custody awaiting arraignment while efforts to trace and arrest the second suspect are ongoing.
“Her accomplice, Ibrahim Yusuf Mohamed, however, sensed the detectives closing in and slipped through the net, abandoning a black Mercedes-Benz E50 registration number KCV 910C,” the DCI said.
The case adds to a growing list of fake gold scams that have tainted Kenya’s gold trade sector, with foreign investors often targeted through elaborate fraud schemes promising lucrative mineral deals.
