Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by courtnews reporter

Seth Steve Okute & Kelvin Onyango: Fake Gold Scam Suspects Arrested Over Sh18 Million Fraud

 Updated: May 1 | CourtNews Kenya

Fake gold scam in Nairobi exposed

A major fake gold scam in Nairobi has been uncovered following the arrest of two suspects accused of defrauding a foreign investor millions of shillings in a non-existent gold deal.

The suspects—Seth Steve Okute and Kelvin Otieno Onyango—were arrested after a complaint linked to a Swiss investor.

read:Businessman Abbas Badru Omuyoma (Yuri Sande Ismael) Awaits Ruling in Sh8.1 Million Gold Fraud Case

How the fake gold deal unfolded

According to investigators:

• The victim, Swiss national Stephane Pierre Harder, was lured into a gold transaction

• The deal involved 20 kilograms of gold allegedly destined for Dubai

• He was asked to pay USD 140,000 (over Sh18 million) as logistics and clearance fees

However, the gold shipment never existed.

read:Businessman Ordered to Defend Himself in Sh8.1 Million Nairobi Gold Fraud Case

Use of legal fronts to gain trust

Detectives revealed that:

• The money was routed through Kandiki & Advocates

• This gave the deal an appearance of legitimacy

• Elaborate documents and processes were used to convince the victim

Such tactics are common in organized gold fraud schemes.

Seth Steve Okute & Kelvin Onyango fraud case Kenya explained

The Seth Steve Okute & Kelvin Onyango fraud case Kenya explained highlights how fraudsters:

• Target foreign investors

• Promise high-value gold deals

• Use legal and procedural cover to appear credible

• Disappear after receiving funds

Additional suspects linked to the syndicate

Investigations have identified more individuals connected to the case:

• Benold Okoth

• Esther Bituku Kandiki (still on the run)

Authorities believe the operation involves a wider network.

read:Pauline Odok Arrested Over Sh300 Million Fake Gold Scam

Repeat offender concerns

Detectives also revealed that:

• Kelvin Otieno Onyango has previously faced similar fraud charges

• This raises concerns about repeat offenders operating within fraud syndicates

Charges approved by DPP

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges including:

• Conspiracy to defraud

• Obtaining money by false pretences

The case is expected to proceed in court.

Growing fake gold scams in Kenya

This case adds to a growing trend where:

• Foreign investors are targeted

• Fake gold deals are used as bait

• Fraud networks exploit weak enforcement systems

These scams continue to damage Kenya’s global business reputation.

Ongoing investigations

Authorities say:

• Investigations are still ongoing

• Efforts are underway to recover stolen funds

• Detectives are pursuing additional suspects

Conclusion

The arrest of Seth Steve Okute and Kelvin Otieno Onyango marks a significant breakthrough in tackling fake gold scams.

However, the larger concern remains—how many more syndicates are still operating undetected?