Foreigner Behind Ksh79 Million Gold Scam Arrested

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested a Cameroonian national in connection with a fake gold scheme.

In a statement on Thursday, July 31, DCI said the suspect identified as Francis Talla Oufa, alias Allain, swindled a Canadian investor $618,000 (Ksh79,876,500).

According to the DCI, the scheme began in November 2024, when the victim, while still in Canada at the time, was enticed into a lucrative deal involving the purchase of 250 kilograms of gold.

“In November 2024, while still in Canada, the victim was drawn into an enticing deal involving the purchase of 250 kilograms of gold. Lured by the promise of hefty returns, he traveled to Kenya in April 2025 to seal the deal,” read the DCI statement in part.

Upon arrival in Kenya in April, the Canadian national was ushered into plush, high-end offices by an alleged business partner, an elaborate front designed to project the illusion of a thriving, legitimate gold enterprise.

The victim was then introduced to a network of well-rehearsed swindlers, who convinced him of the legitimacy of the deal.

The Canadian handed over the $618,000 (Ksh79,876,500) before he realized that he had been conned.

OSU detectives launched investigations and, through forensic leads, trailed and arrested the suspect.

A search in the suspect’s vehicle and residence in Belfair Park, Dagoretti, led to the recovery of gold transaction-related documents and seals, and a staff card for Sunshine Minerals Ltd bearing the suspect's name with the designation “Engineer Mining”.

The detectives also seized two laptops, three mobile phones, and other items linked to the scheme.

The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing processing before being arraigned in court.

The DCI detectives are also pursuing additional leads to apprehend his accomplices.