DCI Detectives Discover Fake Gold Manufacturing Center in Nairobi

Detectives investigating the fake gold scam have discovered a gold smelting center in a house located in Nairobi's Riara estate.

This comes after the sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided the house on Monday.

Burners, two gas cylinders and metallic plates shaped like ingots were among the items found in the residence.

DCI boss George Kinoti says once melted into ingots, the metal mixed with insignificant gold content is used to lure unsuspecting gold buyers.

Police say the owner of the house has been identified as Abdul Rashid, who allegedly went into hiding after learning of a planned raid of the home.

Kinoti says some of the suspects in the fake gold scam are influential businessmen, lawyers and judicial officers, who have been enjoying protection from corrupt senior police officers and government officials.

Some Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Immigration Department officials are also on DCI's radar in connection with the con scheme.