A Nairobi court has detained a Beninese businessman for ten days to allow authorities to complete investigations into a Ksh.700 million gold fraud case.

The suspect, identified as Salem Frejus Hector Yohau Ahossi, was arrested on October 25 on allegations of fraudulently organizing a gold transaction.

Court documents reveal that Ahossi and the complainant, who reportedly met three months ago through a church they both attend in Nairobi, discussed the possibility of a lucrative gold trade deal. Ahossi allegedly convinced the complainant to invest in a 490-kilogram gold consignment intended for sale in Belgium.

PHOTO | COURTESY gold

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Police state that the complainant paid over Ksh.700 million, with funds reportedly transferred through bank accounts and the informal Hawala system under Ahossi’s instructions, directing the funds to his agents and associates.

Preliminary investigations indicate Ahossi may be connected to a broader international fraud network active in multiple African countries.

Further evidence suggests that additional foreign buyers have traveled to Kenya on Ahossi’s recommendation and have made payments through a Kenyan law firm, possibly under similar fraudulent pretenses.