DCI Launches Probe into KSh 37 Million Fake Gold Fraud Targeting American Buyer in Nairobi
Detectives from Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are actively pursuing two suspects linked to a sophisticated gold scam that saw an American national lose approximately KSh 37 million after being lured into purchasing what turned out to be counterfeit metal.
The incident unfolded in December 2025 when the U.S. citizen, identified in related reports as David White Odell, arrived in Kenya intending to acquire 150 kilograms of gold. He was introduced to individuals posing as legitimate gold dealers and reportedly paid the full KSh 37 million upfront as part of the deal.
To build trust, the scammers allegedly staged demonstrations for the buyer. He described witnessing them smelt what appeared to be 150 kg of gold nuggets at a compound, stating he observed the process firsthand. He was also shown a supposedly secure storage vault, secured with a combination lock requiring joint input from both parties: the contact provided the first two digits, everyone turned away, and the buyer entered the remaining two for access.
Red flags emerged when the agreed transportation arrangements changed unexpectedly. The suspects proposed using a private jet to move the gold—contrary to the original plan where the buyer would handle shipping—and presented an unusually large invoice, heightening his suspicions. Communication subsequently broke down, prompting him to report the matter to authorities.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, DCI officers, accompanied by the complainant, raided a residential property along Rosewood Avenue in Nairobi's upscale Kilimani neighborhood—the site believed to have hosted the fraudulent transaction. Detectives forced entry into the premises and recovered metallic bars from one of the safes on the property.
Samples of the seized material were immediately sent for expert analysis by the Ministry of Mining, which confirmed the bars were not gold but brass—a common yellow alloy used in fake gold schemes to mimic the real precious metal.
The DCI is now hunting for the two key individuals involved in the alleged fraud. The operation highlights the persistent threat of fake gold syndicates in Nairobi, which frequently target foreign investors with elaborate setups involving staged smelting, secure vaults, and high-pressure tactics to secure large upfront payments.
This case adds to a string of similar incidents in recent years, where foreign buyers—often from the U.S., Canada, or Europe—have fallen victim to con artists peddling non-existent or counterfeit gold. Authorities continue to warn potential investors about the risks of unregulated gold deals in Kenya and urge thorough due diligence.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to apprehend the suspects and recover any possible funds for the victim.
