By Bonface Mulyungi

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a suspect linked to a fake gold syndicate in a case involving a former Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employee who was defrauded of more than Sh7.5 million in a bogus investment deal.

In a statement on May 23, the DCI said the 61-year-old retired civil servant fell prey to a sophisticated gold investment scam after being lured with promises of massive returns.

According to the DCI, the victim lost KSh7,595,309 between February and April 2026 through multiple bank and M-Pesa transfers made to individuals believed to be part of the fraud network.

The DCI said detectives in Imenti North, Meru County, identified and arrested the prime suspect, Dennis Kinoti, during an intelligence-led operation at his hideout in the Gakurine area.

A search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of several Safaricom SIM cards believed to have been used in carrying out the fraudulent transactions.

Detectives also seized a grey Volkswagen Passat, which the agency suspects was purchased with proceeds from the crime. The vehicle has been towed to Meru Police Station and is being held as an exhibit.

According to the agency, the suspect remains in custody and is being processed ahead of his arraignment.

The investigations agency noted that efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects believed to be part of the syndicate who remain at large.

The case was part of a pattern of organized fraud schemes targeting unsuspecting members of the public through fake gold investment deals, according to the statement.

The DCI urged Kenyans to be cautious of investment deals that promise quick profits, especially those involving gold, warning that fraudsters often disguise scams as genuine business opportunities.