By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Five suspects have been arrested in connection with a gold scam that resulted in two businessmen, one from Romania and the other from Switzerland, seeking justice after being defrauded of USD 120,000.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Lamarca J. Benjamin, also known as Morlon Jean Emmanuel, the alleged mastermind and CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd., was among those in custody. Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua, and Justine Adhiambo, 25, were also captured. These suspects were captured at various locations throughout the country.
On January 29, 2025, a complaint was submitted to the Wilson Airport Police Station. The complainants reported being approached by a contact person who informed them that the primary suspect, Lamarca, was selling 550 kilograms of gold.
“The gold was purportedly stored at a godown in JKIA awaiting clearance, and was to be transported on January 20, 2025, once the payment of USD 120,000 was made,” the DCI said.
“Diving into the crafty machinations of the ring of scammers believed to be wallowing in the miasma of deceit for years, the complainants made the full payment, only to be taken in circles thereafter.”
The DCI announced that investigations were initiated, leading detectives to conduct a raid on the offices of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd, where significant evidence was gathered. During this operation, the first two suspects, Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua, were arrested.
“On January 31st, 34-year-old Samson Kibet Sirkoi was also taken into custody, before the officers proceeded to Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate in Nanyuki’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy on February 2, where Lamarca alias Morlon and Justine Adhiambo were arrested at Hse no. 12,” the DCI said on an X post.
“From therein, two Glock Pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, a laptop make apple, one MacBook and 6 expired mineral licences were confiscated,” the DCI added.
“Also recovered was a motor vehicle Reg. No KCW 880M make Toyota Landcruiser V8 silver in colour among other assorted documents,” DCI added.
The DCI indicated that the two suspects were subsequently taken to the Riverside Pearl residence located in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, specifically at house number B8, which belongs to Lamarca. There, additional evidence was discovered, including three 9mm tracer bullets, fourteen smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest, and various seals and stamps.
The Firearms Licensing Board has subsequently verified that the person known as Lamarca also referred to as Morlon, does not possess a valid firearm license.
The DCI also reported that Lucy and Kambua were previously brought before the court, and investigators have been granted custodial orders to finalize their inquiries.
The other suspects are set to be arraigned today, on Tuesday the 4th of February 2025.