Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man of interest in a fake gold deal worth Ksh33 million.
In a statement on Saturday, December 7, 2024, DCI confirmed the arrest of Steve Okoth Odek alias David Bett over the deal that involved the promise to deliver 500kgs of gold to a foreign national.
“Detectives drawn from the Operations Support Unit have arrested Steve Okoth Odek alias David Bett, for scamming a foreign national a staggering USD 256,000 in a fake gold deal that involved over 500kg of fake gold,” DCI stated.
Gold purchase agreements
According to the DCI, the victim entered into two separate gold purchase agreements with the person of interest. On February 6, 2024, he was to purchase 500kg of gold and on March 14, 2024, another 580kg with each kilogram priced at USD 40,000, the police said.
“The detectives have established that the second contract was signed after the first deal failed where the scammer promised to deliver the gold only after securing certain conditions, including the buyer’s responsibility for jet chartering, payment of taxes and insurance,” DCI added.
“Despite these terms, the scammer once more failed to deliver the gold and in an attempt to keep the scam going, he provided 20kg of “gold bars” as collateral, which were stored at MySafe Vault. At this point, the victim remained unaware that he was being scammed, and ended up paying a total of USD 256,000 through two law firms; Owano & Associates Advocates ($126,000) and Alata & Co. Advocates ($139,200).”
Police say that after receiving the money, Odek attempted to defraud the foreign national an additional USD188,080 which failed as a report had been made to the police.
“Swinging into action, the detectives have burned the midnight oil to uncover the truth, recovering the 20kg of “gold” that had been provided as collateral. A thorough analysis revealed that the bars were composed of copper, zinc, and tin, with no trace of gold but just a well-executed scam. Further investigation revealed that the seller’s company, PCL Natural Resources Limited, was not licensed by the Ministry of Mining to deal with gold or any precious metals,” DCI added.
“With this crucial information, the detectives were able to track down the scammer, Steve Okoth Odek, who was arrested and processed earlier today pending arraignment.”
