Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a multi-million-dollar gold scam that defrauded two foreign businessmen of USD 120,000 (approximately Ksh. 15.5 million). The suspects, including a suspected ringleader identified as Lamarca J. Benjamin, have been linked to a fraudulent gold-selling operation that duped the businessmen under the pretense of selling them 550 kilograms of gold.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched the probe after the victims reported the scam to the Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, 2025. According to the DCI, the victims were approached by an intermediary who assured them that Lamarca, also known as Morlon Jean Emmanuel and purportedly the CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd., had 550 kilograms of gold stored at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The intermediary claimed that the gold was awaiting clearance for transport, contingent upon the payment of USD 120,000.
In a subsequent investigation, detectives raided the offices of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd. and arrested Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua. On January 31, 2025, Samson Kibet Sirkoi, aged 34, was also apprehended. The final arrests were made on February 2, 2025, in Nanyuki, where Lamarca and Justine Adhiambo were taken into custody.
The law enforcement operation uncovered an array of suspicious items during the arrests. Two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, and laptops were seized from the suspects. The investigators also discovered six expired mineral licenses, further solidifying their suspicions about the operation’s legitimacy. Additionally, they recovered a vehicle (registration number KCW 880M) linked to Lamarca, which led officers to his residence at Riverside Pearl in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. Among other items seized were three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest, and various seals and stamps.
The Firearms Licensing Board confirmed that Lamarca was not a licensed firearm holder, intensifying the gravity of the investigation. The suspects Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua have already been arraigned in court, and investigators have obtained custodial orders for further questioning. The remaining suspects, Lamarca, Samson Kibet Sirkoi, and Justine Adhiambo, are scheduled to face arraignment on February 4, 2025.
This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by the DCI to clamp down on criminal networks involved in fraud and illegal activities in Kenya. As investigations continue, the authorities are determined to bring the entire syndicate to justice.
