Businessman to Defend Himself in Sh8.1 Million Gold Fraud Case
A Nairobi court has ruled that a businessman charged in a multi-million shilling gold fraud scheme has a case to answer.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Abbas Badru Omuyoma, also known as Yuri Sande Ismael, and ordered him to be placed on his defence.
Omuyoma is facing charges of obtaining USD 54,550 (approximately Sh8.18 million) from Yvan De Coninck by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell 15 kilograms of gold, an allegation he has denied.
Accused Denies Receiving Money
While testifying in his defence, Omuyoma told the court that although discussions over a gold transaction took place, the deal later collapsed after disagreements emerged between the parties involved.
He maintained that no money was ever paid directly to him, explaining that his role was limited to that of an intermediary agent.
“I provided an invoice based on an understanding that I would be paid as an agent, but to date, I have never received any money, directly or indirectly,” Omuyoma told the court.
He further claimed that any funds related to the transaction were allegedly wired to an escrow account involving entities known as Blue Creek and Jason, and not to him personally.
DCI Summons After Deal Collapsed
Omuyoma said that following the collapse of the deal, he was summoned by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to record a statement regarding the failed transaction.
He also told the court that he was first approached by a woman identified only as “Madam Pinky,” who requested his assistance in sourcing a gold supplier.
According to the accused, he introduced a supplier to companies identified as BlueGrak and Zonkul, after which discussions were held for the potential supply of 200 kilograms of gold—a deal that never materialised.
Charges Date Back to 2021
Court records show that the alleged offence was committed on August 11, 2021, in Nairobi.
Omuyoma, who is currently out on cash bail, will now be required to formally defend himself as the case proceeds to the defence hearing stage.