A Cameroonian national has been arrested in Nairobi for allegedly orchestrating a fake gold scam that defrauded a Canadian investor of Ksh79.8 million (USD 618,000).
Francis Talla Oufa, also known as Allain, was apprehended by detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) following thorough investigations into the fraudulent scheme.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the scam began in November 2024 when the investor, still in Canada at the time, was approached with an offer to purchase 250 kilograms of gold.
Lured by the promise of a lucrative deal, he travelled to Kenya in April 2025 to finalise the transaction.
Upon arrival, the investor was ushered into what appeared to be a legitimate business environment, complete with high-end offices that created the illusion of a thriving gold enterprise where he met several individuals posing as credible business partners.
Convinced by the professional set-up and presentation, he handed over 618,000 US dollars, believing it to be payment for genuine gold.
It was only after the money changed hands that he realised he had been conned.
Several items linked to the scam, including documents and seals related to gold transactions, two laptops, three mobile phones, and a staff card from Sunshine Minerals Ltd bearing Oufa’s name and the title “Engineer Mining” were recovered during a search of his vehicle and residence in Belfair Park, Dagoretti.
The suspect is currently in custody as detectives pursue additional leads to apprehend other individuals believed to be involved in the scheme.
