US citizen charged in Nairobi over Ksh. 174M fake gold scam.

Detectives investigating large-scale gold scams across the country have arraigned a US citizen, Antonucci Sergio Patrick, at the Milimani Law Courts for allegedly participating in a fraudulent scheme worth over USD 1.35 million.

Sergio was arrested upon his arrival in the country from Dubai and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretenses.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Sergio allegedly orchestrated the scam by presenting himself as a seasoned former banker, investor, and legal consultant specializing in navigating high-risk and complex markets often avoided by US businesses. Investigations reveal that Sergio met the complainant, a fellow US national, in July 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Impressed by his credentials, the complainant engaged Sergio to oversee and secure gold transactions in Africa.

On August 29, 2023, the complainant paid Sergio a signing bonus of USD 50,000, followed by additional payments of USD 15,000 on January 24, 2024, and February 28, 2024.

While in Nairobi, Sergio introduced the victim to another American, Caden Gebhard, who was allegedly posing as an active-duty US soldier with the 19th Special Forces Group and claimed to have critical regional influence. The victim was later introduced to Congolese national Eric Kalala Mukendi, who posed as the gold seller and licensed exporter, during a meeting at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Hurlingham, Nairobi.

Through his company, AURUMSIC ONE LLC, the victim signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement with AERO Logistics for 2,820 kilograms of gold. Between March 31, 2024, and May 30, 2024, he paid a total of USD 1,271,200 to facilitate the transaction.

However, no gold was delivered, prompting the victim to report the matter to authorities.

Sergio appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Milimani Law Courts set his bond at Ksh 10 million, with a requirement for one Kenyan surety. The case is scheduled for mention on January 23, 2025, ahead of pretrial proceedings.

Meanwhile, authorities are pursuing additional suspects linked to the scam. The DCI has urged the public, especially those engaging in high-value transactions, to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.