Nairobi, Kenya – August 16, 2025 — Detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested David Onyango Ochanda, a key suspect behind a sophisticated gold scam that defrauded an American investor of USD 225,968.64 (Sh25 million).
Elaborate Gold Fraud Scheme
The scam dates back to April 3, 2024, when the foreign investor flew into Nairobi to finalize a deal for the purchase of 3,370 kilograms of gold.
Upon his arrival, he was taken to an office on Chalbi Drive, Lavington, where he signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement. To cement the illusion of legitimacy, the investor was even shown a gold smelting process at the seller’s agent’s office.
Fake Insurance Deal
On April 25, 2024, the investor was introduced to Toureg Insurance Brokers Limited, which was allegedly responsible for insuring the gold during transit. The company’s supposed contact person was none other than Ochanda.
An addendum was added to the initial contract to include insurance charges, and an invoice amounting to USD 226,012.76 was issued.
Growing Gold Scams in Kenya
Kenya has seen a surge in fake gold scams, where unsuspecting investors — both local and international — are duped into paying millions for non-existent consignments. The DCI has repeatedly warned against dealing with unverified dealers, urging investors to verify transactions through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
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