NAIROBI, Kenya — Three suspects have been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over an alleged Sh3.8 million fraud involving a bogus mercury trading scheme, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed.
The accused, Lewis Olemanyasi alias Godana Hamisi, Iren Mueni Antony, and Joseph Mutua Maingi, were charged with two counts of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud.
They pleaded not guilty and were released on Sh500,000 cash bail or a Sh800,000 bond. The case will be mentioned for pre-trial on February 19, 2026.
According to investigators, the complainant reported that on December 13, 2025, she was introduced by a friend to what was presented as a lucrative mercury trading business.
She was allegedly linked to Maingi, who claimed to be a close associate of a Mombasa-based dealer identified as Godana Hamisi.
Two days later, the complainant travelled to Mombasa, where she met the purported dealer.
She was reportedly taken to a house in Mtwapa and shown a bottle wrapped in black and red cloth, which she was told contained mercury — a substance often falsely marketed in fraudulent “quick profit” schemes.
Investigators say the victim later discovered that the bottle contained no mercury. By then, she had allegedly paid Sh3.8 million through a combination of M-Pesa transfers and cash, believing she was securing a consignment for resale at a profit.
Following the complaint, DCI officers traced the suspects through forensic leads. Olemanyasi was arrested in Kitui town alongside Mueni, while Maingi was apprehended in Kamulu.
Under Section 313 of the Penal Code, obtaining money by false pretences carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment if convicted. Conspiracy to defraud is also a criminal offence under Kenyan law and may attract custodial sentences depending on the circumstances.
Police have repeatedly warned the public about falling prey to schemes involving precious metals, mercury, gold, and other high-value commodities traded outside regulated markets.
Such scams often rely on secrecy, elaborate rituals, or restricted viewing conditions to convince victims that non-existent products are authentic.
The DCI has urged Kenyans to conduct due diligence and verify the legitimacy of any high-value investment opportunities, particularly those requiring large cash payments or promising unusually high returns.
The court will now determine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial as investigations continue.
