Suspected gold scammer Jean Emmanuel Morlon, also known as Lamarca J. Benjamin, will be remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison following his arraignment.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 25, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect was arraigned at the JKIA Law Court.
Morlon who had been in custody following a 12-day custodial order is accused of defrauding two businessmen, a Romanian national and a Swiss national, of $120,000 (Ksh15.5 million) in a sophisticated gold scam.
According to DCI, during the arraignment, a series of charges was leveled against Morlon, including obtaining money by false pretenses and possession of a firearm without a firearm certificate.
"Upon his arraignment, the DCI-FCIO team pressed multiple charges against Jean Emmanuel Morlon including obtaining money by false pretenses, possession of a firearm without a firearm certificate, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, creating a false document and forgery of an official Document," DCI said.
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Morlon pleaded not guilty to all charges but the prosecution opposed granting bail to the suspect, arguing that he posed a significant flight risk.
Notably, the court agreed with the objection, ordering Morlon to be remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison pending further proceedings.
"Morlon pleaded not guilty to all charges before the Senior Principal Magistrate's Court No. 1 at the JKIA Law Court. The investigating team objected to his release on bail, citing concerns that he could be a flight risk. Consequently, he was remanded at Industrial Area Remand Prison. The case is scheduled for a mention on March 3, 2025," DCI further stated.
Morlon was arrested on Tuesday, February 4, alongside five others, namely Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo for defrauding the businessmen.
Following a raid of Morlon's office, 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," DCI said.
Further searches at Morlon'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," DCI added.
