Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by carolyne juma

Two Suspects Arraigned in Nairobi Over Sh57 Million Fake Gold Scam Targeting Americans

DCI links suspects to cryptocurrency wallets, forged documents and international fake gold fraud scheme

Published: May 21, 2026 | 7:42 PM EAT

Two suspects have been arraigned before a Nairobi court over an alleged Sh57 million fake gold scam targeting American citizens in an elaborate international fraud operation involving cryptocurrency wallets, forged export documents and fake gold consignments.

The suspects, Kache Mildren alias Jabreena Ayesha and Ahmed Bashar Mohamed, were presented before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, but they did not take plea as detectives sought more time to conclude investigations.

The court allowed police to detain the duo at Kilimani Police Station as investigations continue into the alleged conspiracy to defraud American complainants of USD 447,000 (approximately Sh57,962,490).

According to court documents, the complaint was lodged by Terry Lee Schrubb Jnr and Kenneth J. Adler, who told investigators they were conned by individuals posing as legitimate gold dealers capable of exporting gold consignments from Kenya to Dubai.

Fake Gold Shipments and Cryptocurrency Trail

Investigations established that the suspects allegedly presented fake consignments weighing approximately:

• 10 kilograms

• 500 kilograms

• 700 kilograms

…while falsely claiming the gold was genuine and ready for export.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) told the court that relying on these representations, the complainants transferred huge sums under various pretexts, including:

• Insurance premiums

• Smelting charges

• Shipment costs

• Aircraft retention fees

• Documentation fees

• Cryptocurrency wallet transactions

Payments allegedly made include:

• USD 11,000 for documentation and testing

• USD 56,000 for smelting charges

• USD 231,000 for insurance

• USD 121,000 for cargo jet services

“Investigations have established movement of proceeds of crime through multiple cryptocurrency wallets associated with the respondents and other accomplices,” the court heard.

Binance Wallet Linked to Fraud Proceeds

Investigators told the court that Ahmed Bashar Mohamed allegedly knowingly used his Binance cryptocurrency wallet to receive funds from the complainants before disbursing them to Kache and other accomplices.

Police say this amounts to aiding money laundering involving fraud proceeds.

The court heard that investigators obtained orders in Milimani Criminal Miscellaneous Application No. E2143/2026 targeting:

• Binance Holdings Limited

• Nest Exchange Limited

• Nest Clearing and Custody Limited

• Nest Trading Limited

…to obtain:

• KYC records

• Linked wallet accounts

• Transaction histories

• Access logs

• Freezing of suspicious cryptocurrency wallets

Court documents show forensic investigators linked multiple wallets, Binance User IDs, email accounts and transaction histories directly to the fraudulent scheme.

Forged Gold Export Documents Used

Investigators further established that forged documents were allegedly used to deceive the complainants, including:

• Fake assay certificates

• False insurance papers

• Fake shipment documentation

Cyber forensic investigators under CFDL 332/2026 reportedly extracted electronic evidence linking communications, transactions and coordination between the suspects and the complainants.

Dramatic Arrest at Crystal Villas

The court heard that Kache Mildren alias Jabreena Ayesha, believed to be the mastermind, dramatically resisted arrest when DCI officers moved in at Crystal Villas.

Police told the court she allegedly:

• Locked herself inside the house

• Refused to surrender

• Remained in communication with accomplices

• Attempted to escape by climbing the perimeter wall

She was eventually intercepted and arrested.

Investigators described her as the principal coordinator of the fake gold operation.

Police Oppose Bail

Police opposed release of the suspects, arguing they are flight risks and may interfere with investigations.

The court heard that both suspects allegedly evaded arrest for a prolonged period until intelligence and surveillance operations led detectives to them.

Investigators also told the court the suspects do not have known permanent and verifiable residences.

Ahmed Bashar reportedly offered to help investigators identify the individual who shared his Binance wallet details to receive USD 231,000 from the complainants.

Police say several accomplices remain at large and investigations are ongoing.