The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has confirmed the arrest of Kelvin Mwaura Ngotho, the primary suspect in a KES 2.85 billion gold scam investigation involving two Malaysian nationals.
According to the DCI, the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday by detectives from the Operations Support Unit and has been brought before the Milimani Law Courts.
“Mwaura’s arrest took place at the courthouse where he was scheduled for a hearing regarding another gold scam case, for which he is currently out on bond,” DCI stated.
“Detectives from the Operations Support Unit have been in pursuit of Mwaura since December 27, 2023, following his alleged role as the mastermind behind a nearly successful $19,000,000 gold scam deal orchestrated by an eight-member gang.”
The DCI further mentioned that it was uncovered that Mwaura was the tenant of a property in Lavington where the gang conducted its operations. He had entered into a tenancy agreement with the landlord under the pretext of using the premises as a residential dwelling, they added.
“On the day the fraudulent deal involving 50kg of fake gold was set to transpire, detectives raided the property, apprehending seven of Mwaura’s associates. However, Mwaura himself managed to evade capture and had remained at large until his recent arrest,” DCI stated.
The Investigations unit has confirmed that Mwaura appeared beforeJudge Ondieki at court number 4, where he faced charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and attempt to commit a felony.
He pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted a bond of KES 3 million or an alternative cash bail of KES1 million. The case is scheduled for mention on March 13th at the same court.
