NAIROBI, Kenya- Abbas Bardu Omuyoma alias Ishmael has been arrested in Nairobi for allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-shilling gold scam that left a Canadian investor defrauded of Sh37 million (USD 280,000).
According to investigators, the suspect, now in custody, lured the foreign investor with promises of lucrative gold shipments from Kenya to Canada.
The deal reportedly involved several online meetings and presentations, convincing the victim that the trade was legitimate.
The Canadian was allegedly instructed to transfer the money through a cryptocurrency transaction — a method preferred by fraudsters to avoid traceability. Once the funds were received, the suspect reportedly went silent, triggering suspicion and eventually a police complaint.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) tracked the suspect after a detailed probe and arrested him in Nairobi. Authorities revealed that documents, communication devices, and electronic evidence linking him to the scam were seized during the operation.
“This arrest underscores our commitment to protecting both local and international investors from fraudsters who tarnish the country’s reputation in the gold trade,” a senior DCI officer said.
ARREST OF A FRAUDSTER IN USD 280,000 GOLD SCAM Detectives from the DCI Nairobi Regional Office have taken into custody Abbas Bardu Omuyoma, aka Ishmael, a fraudster linked to a gold scam that defrauded a Canadian investor out of USD 280,000. Ishmael’s arrest comes on the heels
Gold scams have increasingly put Kenya under the spotlight, with several international investors in recent years falling victim to elaborate schemes involving fake dealers and fictitious shipments.
The DCI has repeatedly warned foreigners to conduct due diligence before entering into any gold trade agreements in the country.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
Authorities are also working with international partners to trace whether accomplices were involved in the scheme.
Meanwhile, law enforcement has urged the public and foreign investors to remain vigilant against such fraudulent deals, stressing that genuine gold transactions in Kenya must follow laid-down export and licensing procedures.
