DCI Arrests Indian National at JKIA Over Alleged Ksh172 Million Gold Fraud

 

Detectives have arrested an Indian national over an alleged gold investment scam. The suspect is Maheshbhai Rameshbhai Bhadra. He was held at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after landing from Dubai. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations announced the arrest on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The case involves USD 1,325,970, about Ksh172.3 million. An investor filed the complaint. He accused the suspect of taking his money through an informal Hawala transfer. The arrangement reportedly used agents in Dubai and Kenya.

Investigators say the scam centred on a promise of 210 kilograms of gold. The investor was persuaded to pay for the metal. The gold never arrived, and the deal collapsed.

The arrest was carried out under a stop order from the Milimani Law Courts. Bhadra remains in custody while detectives process him. He is expected to be presented in court soon.

The arrest comes days after another DCI case. Nelson Okota Odhiambo was detained in Bamburi over a Nyali accommodation scam. He allegedly took Ksh130,000 from a woman who was promised an Airbnb stay. Investigators believe he may have targeted other holidaymakers heading to the Coast.