US citizen charged in Nairobi over Sh174m fake gold scam

An American citizen has been charged in Nairobi with defrauding a businessman Sh164 million in a fake gold sale deal.

He was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts for allegedly participating in a fraudulent transaction worth more than USD 1.35 million.

Following his arrest upon arrival in the country from Dubai, the suspect, Antonucci Sergio Patrick, was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretenses.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Sergio allegedly orchestrated the scam by posing as a seasoned former banker, investor, and legal consultant who specialised in navigating hostile and complex markets, which he claimed US businesses frequently avoided.

According to investigations, Sergio met the complainant, a fellow US national, in July 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Impressed by Sergio’s credentials, the complainant contracted him to oversee and secure gold transactions in Africa.

The victim believed Sergio was licenced and paid a signing bonus of USD 50,000 on August 29, 2023. Subsequent payments of USD 15,000 were made on January 24, 2024, and another USD 15,000 on February 28, 2024.

During a trip to Nairobi, Sergio introduced the victim to Caden Gebhard, another American who was posing as an active-duty US soldier with the 19th Special Forces Group. Gebhard was allegedly portrayed as a key contact with critical regional influence.

The complainant was then introduced to a Congolese accomplice, Eric Kalala Mukendi, and the alleged gold seller and licenced exporter at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Hurlingham, Nairobi.

At this point, the victim, through his company AURUMSIC ONE LLC, signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement with AERO Logistics for the purchase of 2,820 kilogrammes of gold.

Between March 31, 2024, and May 30, 2024, the victim allegedly paid USD 1,271,200 to facilitate the transaction.

However, no gold consignment was ever delivered, prompting the victim to report the matter to the authorities.

Sergio appeared in court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Milimani Law Courts granted him bond set at Sh10 million, with a requirement for one Kenyan surety.

The case is scheduled for mention on January 23, 2025, for pre-trial proceedings.

Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that more accomplices linked to the scam are being pursued as investigations continue.

The DCI has urged the public, particularly those involved in high-value transactions, to be cautious and conduct thorough due diligence to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.