Detectives from the DCI Nairobi Regional Office have arrested Abbas Badru Omuyoma, alias Yuri Sande Ismael (Ishmael), in connection with a sophisticated gold scam that defrauded a Canadian investor of $280,000 (Sh36.7 million).
The arrest follows a formal complaint lodged on September 1, 2025, detailing how Ishmael and an accomplice promised 550kg of gold nuggets and bars purportedly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Believing the deal was legitimate, the investor transferred the funds via USDT, only to find that no gold ever materialized.
Following the complaint, detectives initiated a thorough investigation, trailing Ishmael to Dennis Pritt Road, Nairobi, where he was taken into custody and is currently awaiting arraignment.
The accomplice remains at large.
This is not the first time Omuyoma has faced allegations of gold fraud.
In an earlier case, reported for the same individual under his alias Yuri Sande Ismael, he allegedly defrauded Belgian investor Yvan De Coninck of $54,550 (Sh7.15 million) by claiming to be able to deliver 15 kilograms of gold, a claim later found to be false.
That case, valued at about Sh8.18 million, is before the Milimani Court.
That earlier case also saw delays: a hearing scheduled for August was postponed because the magistrate was absent; the next date set is September 23, 2025. Omuyoma is out on cash bail in that case.
Authorities say investigations are continuing, including gathering evidence from financial transactions and seeking the remaining accomplice.
The DCI has warned foreign investors to exercise caution and verify the credentials of persons offering precious minerals, especially when large volumes are involved.
