A Nairobi man suspected of being part of a city gold scam syndicate has been charged in court for allegedly conspiring to defraud a foreign investor under the pretense of facilitating a gold inspection at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The accused, Obadiah Kipkemoi Langat, also known as Richard, appeared before Milimani Magistrate Ndombi, where he denied charges of conspiracy to steal and obtaining money by false pretenses.
According to court documents, Langat is accused of deceiving Azimagli Serge Amani, a foreign national, into believing that he could arrange the inspection of 200 kilograms of gold allegedly detained at JKIA. The alleged scam occurred between August 2 and August 6, 2024.
The Alleged Gold Fraud Scheme
Investigators say Langat conspired with others still at large to defraud Amani of KSh 309,000, claiming the funds were required to “facilitate clearance and inspection” of the supposed gold consignment.
Authorities allege that the suspect knew the claims were false and intended to unlawfully enrich himself and his accomplices.
The prosecution told the court that Amani, believing the representation to be genuine, transferred the money to Langat, only to later discover that no such gold existed and that JKIA officials had no record of any detained consignment linked to the suspect.
This case mirrors other ongoing gold scam investigations involving both foreign investors and Kenyan nationals, where fraudsters exploit Kenya’s reputation as a regional gold trading hub to execute fake deals worth millions.
Court Proceedings and Bail Terms
Langat denied the charges and was released on a cash bail of KSh 150,000 pending trial. Magistrate Ndombi ordered the accused to cooperate fully with investigators and refrain from contacting the complainant.
The court also directed that witness statements and evidence be supplied to the defense before the next hearing date.
If convicted, Langat faces imprisonment for up to seven years under the Kenyan Penal Code for obtaining money by false pretenses.
A Pattern of Gold Scams in Kenya
Kenya has increasingly become a hotspot for international gold scams, with victims from Dubai, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and West Africa frequently targeted.
Fraudsters often use false documentation, forged customs papers, and fake clearing agents to convince victims that large gold consignments are held at JKIA or secure warehouses in Nairobi.
Recent high-profile cases have prompted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to form special units to crack down on the cartels behind such fraudulent activities.
Authorities warn that the syndicates are well-organized, often involving multiple actors posing as customs officials, lawyers, and logistics agents.
Foreign Investors Advised to Exercise Caution
Officials from the Ministry of Interior and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have repeatedly cautioned investors to verify gold trade licenses through official government channels before making payments.
The government has also urged embassies and high commissions to educate their citizens about the risks associated with unverified gold deals in Nairobi.
Legal analysts note that this latest case is a reminder of how easily foreign investors can fall victim to well-crafted scams, especially when lured by promises of high returns from alleged gold exports.
The Road Ahead
As the case progresses, investigators are expected to trace Langat’s alleged accomplices and recover any funds obtained through deception.
The prosecution is also pushing for stricter penalties for individuals found guilty of gold-related fraud to deter future cases.
Meanwhile, Amani, the complainant, has expressed hope that justice will be served and that Kenyan authorities will intensify efforts to protect genuine investors in the country.