Intro:
Detectives in Nairobi have arrested a man linked to a fake gold syndicate that defrauded a Canadian investor of USD 280,000 (approximately KSh 37 million) in a high-stakes scam.
Highlights:
- Abbas Bardu Omuyoma, alias Ishmael, arrested in Nairobi over fake gold scam
- Canadian investor conned out of USD 280,000 via cryptocurrency
- Deal involved promises of 550kg of gold nuggets and bars from DRC
- DCI pursuing accomplice still at large as probe intensifies
Main Story:
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the suspect, Abbas Bardu Omuyoma also known as Ishmael was arrested following a complaint lodged on September 1, 2025. Together with an accomplice, he lured a Canadian investor with promises of 550 kilograms of gold allegedly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Convinced he was entering into a legitimate deal, the investor transferred USD 280,000 through cryptocurrency (USDT). However, no gold was delivered, and the deal quickly unraveled as a sophisticated fraud.
After launching investigations and analyzing forensic leads, detectives trailed Omuyoma and arrested him along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi. He is currently in custody undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment.
Authorities confirmed that an accomplice linked to the fraud is still at large, with detectives vowing to track him down. The DCI reiterated its commitment to dismantling fake gold cartels that continue to taint Kenya’s image internationally.
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As the crackdown on fake gold cartels intensifies, the arrest of “Ishmael” serves as a warning Kenya’s fraudsters may be cunning, but the long arm of the law is catching up.
