Detectives discover fake gold smelting centre in Riara

Detectives discover fake gold smelting centre in Riara

Detectives probing the fake gold scam on Monday raided a residential area in Riara, Nairobi where they discovered a gold smelting centre.

They discovered burners, two gas cylinders and metallic plates shaped like ingots (a piece of metal, usually in the shape of a narrow brick).

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti, once melted into ingots, the metal with insignificant gold content is then used to lure unsuspecting businessmen.

The tenant of the house that was raided on Tuesday has been identified as Abdul Rashid.

He is said to have got wind of the impending raid and escaped before detectives arrived at the house.

DCI Kinoti said they have solid leads on suspects involved in the fake gold racket in Kilimani some of whom are influential businessmen, lawyers and judicial officers.

He further revealed that the suspects have been enjoying protection from some corrupt senior police officers and government officials.

Also under the DCI’s radar are officials at the Kenya Airports Authority and the Immigration Department.

Further, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula is expected to be summoned to shed light on a leaked audio recording that implicates him in the fake gold scam. The Senator is said to be out of the country.

Zaheer Jhanda who recently spoke out over his links to the royal family in Dubai is also expected to record a statement at the DCI headquarters.

He is said to have consulted with a Dubai-based gold merchant who was supposed to ferry gold worth Ksh.30billion through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Investigations have revealed an intricate cartel operating within the leafy suburbs of Kilimani, Kileleshwa and Lavington.

The question that begs is whose protection have they been enjoying over the years to bring up a seemingly unstoppable multi-billion shilling empire.

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Wetangula Fake gold Zaheer Jhanda

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