Abbas Bardu Omuyoma, alias Ishmael who is linked to a high-profile gold scam that swindled a Canadian investor out of USD 280,000. Photo by DCI 
By Andrew Mbuva
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man linked to a high-profile gold scam that swindled a Canadian investor out of USD 280,000 (approximately KSh 37 million).
The suspect, identified as Abbas Bardu Omuyoma, alias Ishmael, was apprehended on Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi following weeks of forensic-led investigations.
According to the DCI, Ishmael and an accomplice—who is still at large—duped the foreign investor by promising him 550 kilograms of gold nuggets and bars allegedly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The investor, convinced he was entering into a legitimate trade, transferred the money through cryptocurrency (USDT). However, the promised consignment never materialized.
A formal complaint was lodged on September 1, 2025, prompting detectives to launch a probe that culminated in Ishmael’s arrest.
DCI confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody pending arraignment, while efforts to track down his accomplice are underway.
Authorities have cautioned potential investors to exercise vigilance, noting that cases of elaborate gold scams targeting foreigners have been on the rise in Nairobi and other cities.
