Five suspects have been arrested in relation to a gold scam that defrauded two businessmen, a Romanian and a Swiss national, of $120,000 (Ksh 15.5 million).
In a statement on Tuesday, February 4, DCI said the five including Lamarca J. Benjamin alias Morlon Jean Emmanuel who is believed to be the mastermind were nabbed in their hideouts.
"The five include the mastermind and alleged CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd Lamarca J. Benjamin alias Morlon Jean Emmanuel, Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo, 25, who were all nabbed at different hideouts within the country," the statement read.
DCI explained that investigations began after a complaint was filed at Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, 2025.
According to the complaint, the victims were approached by a contact person who introduced them to Lamarca, who claimed to be selling 550kg of gold stored at a warehouse at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
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DCI noted that the complainants alleged to have been informed that the gold was awaiting clearance and could only be transported once a payment of $120,000 was made.
"Diving into the crafty machinations of the ring of scammers believed to be wallowing in the miasma of deceit for years, the complainants made the full payment, only to be taken in circles thereafter," the statement added.
Following the incident, DCI launched an investigation, raiding the offices of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd and arresting the first two suspects, Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua.
On January 31, 2025, detectives arrested Samson Kibet Sirkoi, and on February 2, Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo were apprehended at a house in Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate, Nanyuki, within Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
In addition to the suspects, authorities confiscated key items, including two Glock pistols, a pair of handcuffs, and a silver Toyota Landcruiser V8.
"From therein, two Glock Pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, a laptop make apple, one MacBook and 6 expired mineral licences were confiscated. Also recovered was a motor vehicle Reg. No KCW 880M make Toyota Landcruiser V8 silver in color among other assorted documents," the statement further read.
Further searches at Lamarca's residence in Kileleshwa led to the recovery of more illegal items, including tracer bullets and bulletproof vests.
"The two suspects were then escorted to Riverside Pearl residence in Kileleshwa within Nairobi at house No. B8 (Lamarca's residence), where more exhibits were found including three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bullet proof vest and assorted seals and stamps," the statement read.
The investigating agency stated that the Firearms Licensing Board has confirmed that Lamarca is not a licensed firearm holder.
While Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua have already been arraigned, the remaining suspects are scheduled to face charges today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
