A Nairobi-based lawyer is at the centre of an investigation into an international fake gold scam that defrauded a Canadian investor of USD 618,000, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have confirmed.
Michael Otieno Owano, an advocate of the High Court and proprietor of Otieno M.O. Law Advocates, was arrested by detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) for allegedly facilitating the fraudulent transaction by using his law firm as a cover to receive and move illicit funds.
According to the DCI, Owano acted as an escrow agent in a fake gold deal involving 250 kilograms of non-existent gold purportedly destined for Dubai via private jet.
On April 15, 2025, a Proforma Invoice for USD 318,400 was issued by a fictitious company, EAI Logistics, and the investor wired the amount directly into Owano’s law firm account.
“He then directed the victim to transfer an additional USDT 300,000 to a cryptocurrency wallet. No gold was delivered, and all communication ceased shortly thereafter,” said the DCI in a statement released today.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin described the case as a disturbing abuse of legal privilege: “It is unacceptable for a lawyer,an officer of the court, to exploit their position to enable fraud. We are sending a clear message: titles will not protect criminals.”
Owano is expected to face charges related to obtaining money by false pretenses, conspiracy to defraud, and aiding and abetting transnational crime.
His arrest is linked to a broader investigation into a transnational gold scam syndicate.
Earlier, detectives arrested Francis Talla Ouafo, alias Allain, a Cameroonian national believed to be the scheme’s mastermind.
He was arraigned at the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court on July 31, 2025.
Two other suspects, Lupemba Lorenzi Olivier (Congolese) and Kelvin Otieno Onyango, alias Kevo Sonko, are also in custody.
Olivier was involved in a similar scam targeting a Gabonese investor and remains under investigation, while Onyango is accused of receiving USD 140,000 through an escrow account under SwiftTaxis Logistics Ltd.
The DCI has reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks that use Kenya as a hub for gold scams targeting international investors.
“We are working closely with financial institutions and foreign missions to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice, including professionals who think they can hide behind their careers,” said a DCI spokesperson.
Owano remains in custody pending his arraignment, as detectives pursue leads on additional accomplices and financial trails linked to the syndicate.
