Detectives in Imenti North, Meru County, have arrested a key suspect linked to a gold investment fraud syndicate that allegedly conned a 61-year-old retired civil servant out of more than KSh7.5 million.
The victim, a former Teachers Service Commission employee, reportedly fell prey to a sophisticated fake-gold investment scheme after being lured by promises of massive returns.
Between February and April 2026, the complainant lost a total of KSh7,595,309 through a series of bank and M-Pesa transactions.
Following 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.
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 exhibit as investigations gather pace.
The suspect remains in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment, as detectives intensify a manhunt for his accomplices who remain at large.
The DCI warned the public against falling for flashy “gold investment” deals promising quick riches, noting that fraudsters are increasingly targeting unsuspecting Kenyans with sophisticated scams disguised as lucrative business opportunities.
