Second Suspect Arrested in Nairobi Over USD 217,900 Gold Scam Targeting American Investor

Detectives in Nairobi have apprehended a second individual in connection with a multi-million shilling gold fraud scheme that allegedly swindled an American citizen out of USD 217,900.

The suspect, Mohammed Noor Muhyadhin Mohammed, was arrested by officers from the Operation Support Unit on allegations of money laundering linked to a fraudulent gold transaction that had promised the delivery of 495 kilograms of gold but ultimately produced nothing. Authorities say the elaborate deal was part of a broader scheme targeting foreign investors.

Investigators have identified Mohammed as the sole proprietor of Mohazcom Trading, a registered Kenyan enterprise that trades in mobile phones primarily sourced from Tecno Mobile Limited. He is now facing serious charges as law enforcement intensifies efforts to dismantle what they describe as a sophisticated international fraud network.

His arrest follows closely on the heels of the arraignment of Willis Onyango Wasonga, also known as Marcus, who appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on February 16, 2026. Wasonga is confronting multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, acquisition of proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds of crime and use of proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti Money Laundering Act.

According to investigators, Mohammed received USD 217,900 on February 3, 2026 through his company’s account at the National Bank of Kenya. The money had been transferred from accounts held by MOAC Advocates at the same financial institution. Detectives state that the funds were purportedly payment for a consignment of 495 kilograms of gold that was never delivered to the American investor.

Shortly after the funds were deposited, Mohammed allegedly transferred the entire amount to overseas accounts associated with Tecno Mobile Limited at Citibank in Hong Kong. Investigators say the transaction was presented as payment to facilitate a shipment of mobile phones that has never reached Kenya.

Further inquiries have revealed that Mohammed maintained a business relationship spanning more than a decade with a foreign exchange bureau located along Standard Street in Nairobi. Detectives believe the bureau played a pivotal role in coordinating substantial cross-border transfers connected to the suspected laundering operation.

Authorities also say there was an effort to legitimize the questionable transaction through a debt settlement agreement submitted by MOAC Advocates. The document allegedly indicated a financial settlement between Mohammed and another suspect who remains at large. However, investigators now contend that the agreement was merely a cover-up intended to disguise the fraudulent scheme.

Mohammed remains in police custody and is expected to be presented in court as detectives continue to pursue at least three additional suspects believed to be part of the syndicate.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has said the arrests underscore its determination to dismantle gold scam syndicates and money laundering networks that persist in targeting foreign investors and undermining Kenya’s standing as a credible business destination.

By fLEXI tEAM