Sh2.5 billion gold scam suspect arraigned in court

A prime suspect in a Sh2.85 billion gold scam was on Monday charged before the Milimani Magistrate's Court.

Kelvin Mwaura Ngotho, was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) operations support unit as he left the court premises for yet another case involving gold scam and presented before Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki.

In the first count, Mwaura was accused of conspiracy to commit a felony. He charged that between December 19, 2023 and December 27, 2023, alongside others not before court he conspired to steal USD 19 million (Sh 2.85 billion) from a Malaysian national Halid Bin Mohd Yaacob.

He also faced a second count of attempting to commit a felony. The State claimed that he falsely pretended that he was in a position to sell 500 kilos of gold.

He denied the charges and was released on Sh 1 million cash bail or a Sh 3 million bond.

According to the State, Ngotho and eight others allegedly plotted to con Yaacob and almost got away with the billions.

However, seven were arrested in a house in Lavington and charged before the same court.

Detectives allegedly found 50 kilos of fake gold being sealed.

Upon investigation, Ngotho was found to be the tenant of the house.

The case will be mentioned on March 13, 2024.