Congolese national detained in Nairobi over gold fraud case involving Ukrainian

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Andre Kongolo Tshikunga in another gold fraud case at a past date. Photo/Suek

A Congolese national suspected to have conned unsuspecting people millions of shillings in the name of enabling them to become gold traders will spend seven more days in custody to allow police to complete investigations.

Andre Kongolo Tshikunga was arrested at Mazingira Complex, Kiambu Rd in Nairobi after a complaint was made by a Ukrainian national who reported to have lost money to the scammers while looking to trade in the precious mineral.

Senior Resident Magistrate Jane Kamau ordered that Tshikunga be detained at Capitol Hill Police station for the sought seven days.

According to the investigating officer CPL Julio Mutembei, the suspect, who is also a Kenyan citizen, has been dealing in unidentified businesses that include sourcing and selling of gold from unknown sources, transporting it to different destinations and is facing criminal charges in Kenya.

“The respondent has time and again been involved in different crimes and offences against the rule of the country law. The said acts have landed the respondent in different cases which are so far pending in different courts within the country,” said the investigating officer.

READ http://www.lawandpowerkenya.com/man-charged-with-sh-170-million-gold-fraud

The court heard that the Ukrainian national was lured into the country as a trap to syphon his money through a tricky gold business and did part with huge amounts of money to engage in the business.

“The gold in question turned out to be a different thing despite paying for its security in custody of Brinks Security Services,” added officer Mutembei.

The court heard that if the suspect is released on bail before investigations are concluded, he is likely to jeopardise it. 

In addition, the court heard that the complainant is not in the country and has therefore not been able to identify the suspect.

Further, the police want to conduct identification parade confirmation of other similar cases within the republic that the suspect may be involved in.