NAIROBI, Kenya- A Kenyan man, Willis Onyango Wasonga, has been arraigned at Milimani Law Courts for allegedly defrauding an American national of USD 217,900 in a fake gold transaction.
Wasonga, also known by the alias “Marcus”, was arrested following a report at the Capitol Hill Police Station by Gershonov Oleg, acting on behalf of his American business partner, John Sodipo.
Detectives described the case as a calculated money laundering and sophisticated gold scam.
Investigations revealed that Oleg first visited Kenya in September 2025 to pursue a gold deal that never materialized.
During that visit, he established contacts with alleged gold dealers, including Wasonga.
Negotiations later commenced between Sodipo and Wasonga for the purchase and chartering of 495kgs of gold to Dubai.
ARREST AND ARRAIGNMENT OF A MONEY LAUNDERER CUM FAKE GOLD MERCHANTA Kenyan man has been arraigned in court after defrauding an American national of USD 217,900 in a botched 495kgs gold deal. Willis Onyango Wasonga was arrested after a report was made at Capitol Hill police
Sodipo deposited the agreed chartering fees into a purported escrow account under advocate Michael Otieno Owano of MOAC Advocates, while Oleg traveled to Kenya to oversee the shipment.
The consignment, however, never arrived.
Detectives say the suspects’ tactics involved a web of deception, including the use of SRK Logistics Limited, which allegedly misrepresented its capacity to supply gold, and fake legal agreements that created the illusion of legitimacy.
Investigators further revealed that the funds were swiftly moved between company accounts and transferred overseas, exhibiting classic money laundering patterns, including layering and concealment of proceeds.
Wasonga had earlier secured anticipatory bail at the High Court before presenting himself to the DCI Headquarters on 13 February 2026 for statement recording.
At his arraignment, Wasonga pleaded not guilty and was granted bond of Sh1 million with two sureties, or an alternative cash bail of Sh350,000.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities pursue additional suspects. The case is scheduled for mention on 3 March 2026.
