‘Dutchman in Kenya for 1.5 million euros in gold scam’ | Inland

Our compatriot, whose identity has not been released, was lured to the Kenyan capital with promises of an attractive purchase of fifty kilos of gold. Potential supplier Bupe C., who mainly calls himself Elena and comes from Zambia, took his customer to a large house in the vicinity of Lavington, a district of Nairobi where mainly the wealthier residents live. The Dutchman was shown an amount of gold on the spot with the promise to send that amount to him.

He agreed and paid 170 million Kenyan shillings, about 1.5 million euros, but soon realized that he had been scammed when the seller and his accomplices did not immediately want to deliver and suddenly asked for even more money.

Declaration

The victim made a report to the police, who responded quickly. The Zambian was arrested and has since been deported. An investigation revealed that he is the leader of a notorious international syndicate that often lures foreigners to Africa and then deports them. Police said in local media they had received “dozens of similar complaints” about Kenyans pretending to sell gold.

False money

The suspect was also found to be involved in the printing of counterfeit money, which he showed his customers to give the impression that he was a wealthy man. He was deported after Interior Minister Fred Matiangí signed his deportation order. The Kenyan government issued a warning for foreigners who come to Africa with dollar signs in their eyes, and asked embassies to do the same.

“We are urging advice to interested buyers as there are scammers who claim to be trading precious metals. It is a good idea to first contact the Ministry of Mines and Geology for the procedure related to the buying and selling of gold and other precious metals. The gold scam is reaching alarming levels.”

Criticism

The fact that Elena has been deported and is not being prosecuted in Kenya has led to criticism from the local population. “Maybe the government also made money from this?” asks a social media user. The Kenyan government has not explained why the man is not being tried.

The Dutchman can most likely whistle for his money.

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