A group previously involved in a string of gold scams in Nairobi has expanded its operations to Mombasa, where they recently defrauded a Chinese businessman of a staggering Sh151 million under the guise of supplying tantalum minerals.
This incident comes in the wake of a successful interception by Nairobi detectives of two containers in Mombasa, which were falsely declared as containing tantalum minerals sourced from Congo and destined for shipment to China.
The unfortunate Chinese businessman had transferred the hefty sum of Sh151 million in anticipation of receiving the tantalum minerals. However, upon the arrival of one container in China, it was discovered to be filled with soil rather than the promised minerals.
The unsuspecting cargo owners of the supposed tantalum minerals were left shocked and disappointed that they had fallen victim to a scam.
Upon inspection, the containers believed to be holding the valuable minerals were found to contain nothing more than heaps of soil.
Tantalum, a rare and corrosion-resistant metal, holds significant value, especially in electronic devices.
Investigation efforts by detectives from the Operations Support Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) led officers to the Mombasa port, where the two containers were intercepted and subsequently opened, revealing their true contents.
Authorities suspect that the perpetrators, previously engaged in fraudulent gold schemes in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, have now shifted their operations to Mombasa.
There are also indications of collusion with individuals associated with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The discovery of soil instead of tantalum minerals in China sparked the investigation that ultimately led to the interception of the consignment at the Mombasa Container Terminal (MCT) by DCI detectives
According to DCI officials, the two containers were intercepted just before they could be dispatched to China, mirroring the circumstances of the initial shipment.
Upon inspection, the containers revealed reconditioned metallic drums containing sand masquerading as tantalum minerals.
Authorities have identified Lumumba Patrick as a key figure in this fraudulent scheme, alleging his collaboration with fake gold syndicates operating in Congo and Uganda.
A multi-agency task force has collected samples of the soil for detailed forensic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly cautioned foreign nationals against falling prey to the allure of quick profits offered by dubious deals involving seemingly inexpensive minerals, including gold.
This warning follows numerous instances where unsuspecting foreigners have fallen victim to scams orchestrated by criminal networks operating out of Nairobi.
Foreign nationals are strongly urged to seek guidance from their respective embassies in Nairobi to avoid falling victim to such schemes.
