Thursday, February 13, 2025
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Suspects Found with Bullets & Grenades After Scamming Foreigners Ksh15M

Police have arrested five suspects in a gold scam that defrauded two businessmen, a Romanian and a Swiss national, of USD 120,000 (Ksh15.5 million), leaving them crying for justice. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects include the mastermind and alleged CEO of AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd Lamarca J. Benjamin alias Morlon Jean Emmanuel.

Others are Samson Kibet Sirkoi, Lucy Gitonga, Rose Kambua and Justine Adhiambo, 25, who were all nabbed at different hideouts within the country.

DCI said the foreigners filed a complaint at Wilson Airport Police Station on January 29, 2025.

They alleged to have been approached by a contact person who informed them that the prime suspect (Lamarca) was in the business of selling 550kg of gold.

Items police recovered from the suspects. PHOTO/DCI.
Items police recovered from the suspects. PHOTO/DCI.

The gold was purportedly stored at a godown in JKIA awaiting clearance and was to be transported once payment was made.

“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,” DCI said.

DCI Raids AFREX Bridge Connections

Detectives launched investigations and raided AFREX Bridge Connections Ltd offices where a number of crucial evidence were collected.

Here, the first two suspects, Lucy Gitonga and Rose Kambua, were arrested.

On January 31st, 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.

The police recovered two Glock pistols, 96 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, a laptop makes apple, one MacBook and 6 expired mineral licences were confiscated. 

Also recovered was a motor vehicle Reg. No KCW 880M make Toyota Landcruiser V8 silver in color among other assorted documents.


Also Read: Kenya Launches Operation to Crush Gang Working with Al-Shabaab Terrorists


Police Recover Bullets & Other Items

The two suspects were then escorted to Riverside Pearl residence in Kileleshwa within Nairobi at house No. B8 (Lamarca’s residence).

Police found more exhibits at the house including three 9mm tracer bullets, 14 smoke grenades, a bulletproof vest and assorted seals and stamps.


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“The Firearms Licensing Board has since confirmed that the said Lamarca alias Morlon is not a licensed firearm holder,” DCI added.

Lucy and Kambua were earlier arraigned, and the investigators granted custodial orders to complete investigations, while the remaining suspects are scheduled for arraignment today, Tuesday February 4th.

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DCI Director Mohammed Amin in a past meeting. Photo/ DCI
DCI Director Mohammed Amin in a past meeting. Photo/ DCI.

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Edwin Hinda

Edwin Hinda is a versatile and creative journalist with a keen interest in politics, sports, education, international affairs, entertainment, and soft content. With a degree in Communication and Media Technology (Print Option) with IT from Maseno University, Edwin brings a well-rounded academic background to his work. He excels in conducting thorough interviews and in-depth research, ensuring that his stories are both informative and engaging. He can be reached at edwin.hinda@thekenyatimes.com

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