Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested a second suspect in connection with the Sh28 million fake gold scam that defrauded an American national of USD 217,900 in a botched 495-kilogram gold deal.
The suspect, Mohammed Noor Muhyadhin Mohammed, was apprehended in Nairobi as investigators widened the probe into what authorities describe as a well-coordinated money laundering network.
Funds Traced to Business Account
Investigations revealed that on February 3, 2026, Mohammed allegedly received USD 217,900 through his company, Mohazcom Trading, into an account held at the National Bank of Kenya.
The funds had reportedly been debited from accounts belonging to MOAC Advocates at the same bank and were purportedly payment for 495 kilograms of gold that was never delivered to the victim.
Detectives say that shortly after the funds were credited, Mohammed wired the entire amount to accounts held by Tecno Mobile Limited at Citibank in Hong Kong. The transfer was allegedly meant to facilitate a new shipment of mobile phones, which investigators say has yet to arrive in Kenya.
Alleged Forex Bureau Link
Further inquiries established that Mohammed has maintained a business relationship spanning more than a decade with a forex bureau located along Standard Street in Nairobi.
Investigators believe the forex bureau may have played a key role in facilitating substantial cross-border transfers, including the transaction now under investigation.
Authorities are examining whether the transfers exhibit classic indicators of money laundering, including layering and rapid offshore movement of funds.
Connection to Earlier Arrest
Mohammed’s arrest follows the earlier arraignment of Willis Onyango Wasonga, also known as “Marcus,” who was presented before the Milimani Law Courts on February 16, 2026.
Wasonga was charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and multiple offences under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA). He pleaded not guilty and was granted a bond of Sh1 million with two contact persons or an alternative cash bail of Sh350,000.
Alleged Cover-Up Attempts
In what detectives describe as an attempt to legitimise the transfer of USD 217,900, MOAC Advocates reportedly presented a debt settlement agreement allegedly signed by Mohammed and another suspect still at large.
However, investigators have since determined that the document was allegedly designed to create the appearance of a legitimate transaction and conceal fraudulent activity.
More Suspects Pursued
Mohammed remains in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment, while detectives pursue three additional suspects believed to be linked to the scheme.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says the case underscores its ongoing commitment to dismantling gold scam syndicates and combating money laundering networks that exploit international investors and damage Kenya’s commercial reputation.
Authorities have urged members of the public to report suspicious gold transactions and financial crimes through anonymous reporting channels as investigations continue.
