Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a key person of interest in a sophisticated gold investment fraud that defrauded a 61-year-old retired teacher of more than Ksh7.5 million.

In a statement by DCI on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the DCI stated that the victim, a former employee of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), reportedly fell victim to the scam between February and April 2026 after being lured with promises of high returns from a fake gold deal.

“Detectives in Imenti North, Meru County, have arrested a key person of interest linked to a gold investment fraud syndicate that allegedly conned a 61-year-old retired civil servant out of more than Ksh7.5 million,” DCI stated.

The victim, a former Teachers Service Commission employee, reportedly fell prey to a sophisticated fake-gold investment scheme after being lured by promises of massive returns.

According to the report by the DCI, the 61-year-old lost a total of Ksh7,595,309 through multiple bank transfers and mobile money transactions.

“Following painstaking investigations and intelligence-led operations, detectives smoked out the prime suspect, from his hideout in Gakurine area of Meru County, subsequently arresting him,” DCI noted.

A search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of several SIM cards believed to have been used in the fraudulent scheme.

Detectives also seized a grey Volkswagen Passat suspected to have been purchased using proceeds of crime. The vehicle was towed to Meru Police Station, where it is being detained as an exhibit as investigations gather pace.

The key person of interest remains in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment, as detectives intensify a manhunt for his accomplices, who remain at large.

The DCI has issued a public warning against “get-rich-quick” gold investment schemes, noting that fraudsters are increasingly targeting unsuspecting Kenyans with elaborate scams disguised as legitimate business opportunities.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations warns members of the public against falling for flashy “gold investment” deals promising quick riches, noting that fraudsters are increasingly targeting unsuspecting Kenyans with sophisticated scams disguised as lucrative business opportunities,” DCI noted.