A Congolese man accused of swindling two Dubai-based companies out of more than Sh18 million in a bogus gold deal has been arraigned before a Nairobi court.
Lupemba Lorenzi Olivier appeared before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina on Thursday under a miscellaneous application filed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), seeking to detain him for 10 more days as investigations continue.
The court heard that Olivier was arrested on July 31, 2025, by detectives from the DCI’s Operations Support Unit following a complaint filed in June by two foreign nationals representing Dubai investment firms.
According to a sworn affidavit by Sergeant Samuel Itegi, Ulrich Kenney, a Gabonese passport holder, and Mekalih Tifre Masho, an Eritrean national, approached the DCI in June to report the alleged fraud. Kenney is said to represent Hala Diamond Gold Trading while Masho is affiliated with Jonro Global Trading LLC.
The duo had travelled to Kenya from Uganda on February 27, 2025, to explore investment opportunities in the gold business. They were introduced to Olivier by a mutual Kenyan friend and businessman, only identified as Ali.
“Ali contacted the respondent who confirmed that genuine gold was available for sale,” said Sergeant Itegi.
“He suggested a physical meeting, which took place the following day at the Shell Petrol Station along State House Road.”
During the meeting, the parties reportedly agreed on a price range of USD 65,000 to USD 70,000 per kilo of gold.
The quantities, however, were to be finalized later at an office meeting in Kilimani, in the presence of Olivier’s alleged brother.
On April 10, 2025, the complainants, accompanied by Ali, met Olivier, his alleged brother Eric, and two men introduced as shipping agents, Peter and Benold, on the 6th floor of Wu-yi Plaza in Kilimani.
“At the said meeting, the two complainants expressed their interest in purchasing 40 kilograms of gold, where each of their companies was to receive 20 kilograms,” Itegi told the court.
To secure the deal, the seller demanded upfront logistical fees to be backed by a 5-kilogram gold collateral.
The transaction was to be formalized through separate Sale and Purchase Agreements with a company known as Swifttaxis Logistics Limited.
Following the agreement, Hala Diamond wired USD 140,000 (about Sh18 million) from its Citi Bank account in Switzerland to Kadiki & Advocates, the firm instructed by the seller.
In addition, a Sh180,000 payment was made via a Safaricom Till Number.
The 5kg gold “collateral” was allegedly stored in joint custody at First Monetary Security Limited.
However, no gold was ever delivered to either company, prompting the complainants to report the matter to the police.
Sergeant Itegi informed the court that detectives are still analyzing Olivier’s mobile phone for digital evidence and verifying his home address.
He also revealed that more suspects, including the alleged brother Eric and shipping agents, are still at large.
“Releasing the respondent on bail at this point could jeopardize ongoing investigations,” Itegi warned.
