Detectives probing large-scale gold scams in Kenya have arraigned a US citizen, Antonucci Sergio Patrick, at the Milimani Law Courts for his alleged involvement in a fraudulent transaction worth over USD 1.35 million.
Sergio was arrested upon his arrival from Dubai and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretenses. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Sergio posed as an experienced former banker, investor, and legal consultant, claiming expertise in navigating hostile markets often avoided by US businesses.
Investigations revealed that Sergio first met the complainant, also a US citizen, in July 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The complainant, impressed by Sergio’s credentials, contracted him to manage and secure gold transactions in Africa.
Believing Sergio to be licensed, the victim paid a signing bonus of USD 50,000 on August 29, 2023, followed by additional payments of USD 15,000 on January 24, 2024, and another USD 15,000 on February 28, 2024.
While in Nairobi, Sergio introduced the complainant to Caden Gebhard, another US national allegedly posing as a serving soldier in the 19th Special Forces Group. Gebhard was presented as an influential contact in the region. The victim was later introduced to a Congolese accomplice, Eric Kalala Mukendi, who was portrayed as a gold seller and licensed exporter.
The alleged meeting took place at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Hurlingham, Nairobi, where the victim’s company, *AURUMSIC ONE LLC*, signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement with *AERO Logistics* for the purchase of 2,820 kilograms of gold.
Between March 31, 2024, and May 30, 2024, the victim reportedly paid USD 1,271,200 to facilitate the deal. However, the gold consignment was never delivered, prompting the victim to seek assistance from authorities.
Sergio appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Milimani Law Courts granted him bond set at Ksh 10 million, with a requirement for one Kenyan surety. The case is scheduled for mention on January 23, 2025, ahead of pretrial proceedings.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and additional accomplices linked to the scam are being pursued. The DCI has urged the public, particularly those engaging in high-value transactions, to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence to avoid falling prey to similar schemes.
