A retired teacher is counting losses amounting to millions of shillings after allegedly falling victim to suspected gold scammers in Meru County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has already arrested a suspect accused of fleecing the retired teacher through promises of massive returns from a lucrative gold investment scheme.
Security agencies are now pursuing accomplices believed to have participated in the fraud.
The victim, a 61-year-old retired teacher, reportedly encountered the suspect earlier this year after being introduced to the investment deal.
Having believed in the venture, he allegedly went to great lengths to fulfil his part of the agreement with the suspect, identified as Dennis Kinoti.
According to a statement by the DCI, the victim wired money to the suspect on diverse dates between February 2026 and last month while pursuing the deal.
Victim lost Sh7.5 million
By April, the retired teacher had allegedly entrusted Kinoti with at least Sh7.5 million before realising he had been defrauded.
Armed with evidence of mobile money and bank transfers, he reported the matter to DCI detectives, who immediately launched investigations.
Investigators later tracked down Kinoti in the Gakurine area of Meru County.
During a search at his residence, detectives reportedly recovered several Safaricom SIM cards suspected to have been used in the fraudulent activities.
“Following painstaking investigations and intelligence-led operations, detectives smoked out the prime suspect, Dennis Kinoti, from his hideout in Gakurine area of Meru County, subsequently arresting him. A search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of several Safaricom SIM cards believed to have been used in the fraudulent scheme,” the DCI said.
Vehicle seized
Further investigations led detectives to a vehicle believed to have been purchased using proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The grey Volkswagen Passat was seized and towed to Meru Police Station as investigations continue.
“Detectives also seized a grey Volkswagen Passat suspected to have been purchased using proceeds of crime. The vehicle was towed to Meru Police Station where it is being detained as an exhibit as investigations gather pace,” the DCI added.
The DCI said efforts to trace and arrest other suspects linked to the scheme are ongoing.
The agency also warned members of the public against falling prey to fraudsters promising quick profits through fake investment deals.
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Members of the public with information that could assist in the arrest of the remaining suspects have been urged to share it with security agencies.
By John Majau
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