Detectives drawn from the Operations Support Unit have arrested a fake gold scam suspect after defrauding a foreign national USD 256,000.
Steve Okoth Odek alias David Bett had entered into an agreement with the victim in February and March 2024 where he was to supply 500kg and 580kg of gold respectively but it did not happen.
Despite the victim paying USD 256,000through two law firms, the scammer demanded for another USD 188,080 before he was flagged down as a scammer and investigations launched.
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“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.
Investigations have revealed that the victim entered into two separate gold purchase agreements with the scammer where on February 6th, 2024 he was to purchase 500kg of gold and on March 14th, 2024 another 580kg with each kilogram priced at USD 40,000.
Additionally, 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.
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).
After receiving the money, the scammer attempted to defraud the foreign national an additional USD 188,080 which failed as his fraudulent dealings had been uncovered and a report 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.
With this crucial information, the detectives were able to track down the scammer, Steve Okoth Odek, who was arrested and processed earlier today pending arraigment.” said DCI
