Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Central Police Station have launched a massive manhunt for two suspects behind a high-stakes gold fraud. The duo is alleged to have swindled American national David White Odell out of approximately Ksh 37 million ($285,000) in an elaborate trap set in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
The “Professional” Trap
The victim, David White Odell, traveled to Kenya with the intent to purchase 150 kilograms of gold. Upon arrival, he was ushered into a world of “professionalism” that was designed to lower his guard.
The suspects, identified as Paul Chogo and Collins Onyango Opinde, allegedly operated from premises along Rosewood Avenue in Hurlingham. To convince Odell, they staged a live smelting process within the compound.
“I witnessed an operation where they were smelting… they had 150kg there in nugget form. We thought this was a professional operation,” Odell recounted.
How the Millions Vanished
The scammers used a “collateral” tactic to secure the funds. After the “professional” smelting, they convinced the victim that the gold was being moved to a secure vault under a company named Sky. Trusting the process, Odell paid an upfront sum of Ksh 37 million.
However, once the money changed hands, the “gold” and the suspects vanished. The DCI’s initial raid on the premises revealed a sophisticated setup designed purely for deception, but the suspects had already holed up.
The Wanted Suspects
The DCI has officially named the two primary suspects and is appealing to the public for information:
Paul Chogo: The individual who reportedly approached and conversed with the victim over an extended period to build trust.
Collins Onyango Opinde: Posed as the shipping agent responsible for the logistics of the non-existent gold.
A Warning to Investors
Nairobi has unfortunately seen a rise in “Wash-Wash” and fake gold syndicates operating out of posh estates like Kilimani, Lavington, and Kileleshwa. These groups often use:
Fake Smelting Kits: To make “brass” or “copper” look like molten gold.
Forged Documents: Fake mineral licenses and customs clearance papers.
High-End Offices: To create an illusion of a legitimate, thriving enterprise.
The DCI advises all foreign and local investors to verify mineral deals through the Ministry of Mining and to be wary of any deal that involves large cash payments in private residences or “godowns.”
