Suspect Arraigned Over $600,000 Fake Gold Scam Targeting Australian Investor

A Kenyan man has been arraigned in court over an alleged $600,000 (Sh77 million) fake gold scam targeting a foreign investor, in a case that highlights the persistence of transnational fraud syndicates.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the suspect, Duncan Okaka Okonji, was arrested on March 24, 2026, and presented before the Milimani Law Courts the following day.

He was charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code but denied the charge.

The court released him on a bond of Sh5 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million, with two contact persons. The case will be mentioned on April 7.

Investigators say the alleged fraud dates back to October 2025, when the Australian complainant, while in Dubai, was introduced to a man identified as Marshall Morrison, who reportedly posed as an American investor.

SUSPECT ARRAIGNED OVER USD 600,000 GOLD FRAUD SCHEME

A Kenyan fake gold merchant has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in connection with a USD 600,000 fake gold fraud scheme targeting an Australian national.

The accused, Duncan Okaka Okonji, was arrested on March 24,… pic.twitter.com/UdNKTSHEsL

— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) March 26, 2026

Morrison is said to have connected the victim to Okonji, who allegedly presented himself as a facilitator of a 590-kilogram gold consignment deal.

The complainant was later taken to Tanzania, where he was shown what were described as mining sites, before being brought to Kenya to continue the transaction process.

Detectives say the suspects staged multiple meetings and prepared documentation to convince the victim that plans were underway to ship the gold to Dubai.

Believing the deal to be genuine, the investor reportedly transferred $600,000 through Conrad Law Advocates LLC. He later became suspicious and reported the matter to authorities.

The DCI said it is continuing investigations into the case and pursuing other suspects believed to be part of the scheme.

The agency reiterated its commitment to cracking down on organised investment fraud, noting that efforts are underway to dismantle such networks and recover proceeds of crime.

Authorities have also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious dealings, particularly in high-value transactions involving commodities such as gold.