UAE Envoy Denies Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed Lost Sh400 Million to Kenyan Gold Scammers

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) envoy to Kenya Khalid Al Mualla has refuted reports claiming that the country's ruler lost Sh400 million to Kenyan fake gold scammers.

In a strange turn of events, Al Mualla has termed as false reports that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai was swindled out of millions in a fake gold deal involving Kenyan nationals.

The envoy has also dismissed claims that Sheikh Mohammed has written to the Kenyan government demanding the immediate release of his gold consignment allegedly held by authorities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

“There is no such letter. It is all fabricated, and even if there were, who in their right sense would believe him? He is the vice-president of the country. There has been no official communication on this issue between Kenya and the UAE,” Al Mualla has told Daily Nation.

Mualla also says Sheikh Mohammed is not related in any way with Ali Zandi, who is claimed to be his nephew and the link between the Dubai ruler and the fake gold sellers in Kenya.

“I can’t tell you if he (Zandi) exists or not, but who is he? Can anyone show me proof that the gold was going to the ruler of Dubai? I have not seen such a thing and I think someone was working hard to damage relations, which are cordial,” he adds.

The envoy further states that relations between the UAE and Kenya are intact, adding that the matter involves two private companies from both countries.

This week, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti revealed that detectives have solid leads on suspects involved in the fake gold racket.

He said that some of the suspects are influential politicians, businessmen, lawyers and judicial officers who enjoy the protection of police and senior government officials.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula, politician Zaheer Jhanda, and flashy businessman Jared Otieno have been adversely mentioned in the scam.