DCI Sleuths Seize 31 Boxes Containing Fake Gold Bars at JKIA

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives have seized a consignment of fake gold at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The fake gold bars received from Uganda had been concealed in 31 boxes and stored in a strong room belonging to the Swissport transit freight station at JKIA to avoid detection by authorities.

Traders behind the consignment have allegedly been luring unsuspecting investors to view the fake gold bars at the customs offices at JKIA on the pretext that they are genuine.

Once the buyer is convinced that the transaction is legitimate and makes payments, including customs and shipping costs, the fraudsters disappear.

“The phoney traders settled on Swissport freight since it provides ground and cargo handling services in major airports across the globe, to store their fake consignments so as to avoid detection by detectives,” DCI said.

One of the victims is said to have lost a whopping Sh34 million to the cons, who then used the funds to buy posh premises in high-end estates guarded by police officers.

“It is in these upmarket establishments where they perfected the art of international organized gold scam fraud by luring unsuspecting genuine investors from across the world to part with millions of money in exchange for fake gold.”

“In an operation led by the DCI Director in March 2019, detectives had stormed a prominent international bank with tentacles across major world capitals, and discovered dozens of fake gold deposits that had been shown to many traders who fell victim to the scheme,” DCI added.

Investigations established that the multi-million-shilling crime ring is executed with the support of various agencies, including some government institutions.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is cautioning anyone within or outside the country intending to venture in the gold business, to be on the lookout not to fall prey to these amoebic fraudsters, who keep changing tactics and mode of operation. When the deal looks too good, think twice and where necessary, kindly confirm the authenticity of the gold deposits with relevant government agencies and more so the DCI.”