Serial Fake Gold Fraudster Chris Obure Charged With Sh1.3B Property Fraud

Fake gold fraudster Philip Chrisantus Obure, alias “Chris Obure,” has today pleaded not guilty to charges of forgery, providing false information, and uttering false documents.

The hearing took place in Milimani Law Courts before Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi.

Obure, the owner of SBS Dunhill East Africa, was apprehended by detectives from the Serious Crime Unit, with support from the DCI’s Document Examiners, after it was discovered he had presented forged Binding Resolutions to falsely claim ownership of the multimillion-dollar Senteu Plaza on LR No.1/1373. The building also houses his office.

Prosecutors claim that between June 2017 and October 2023, Obure allegedly forged a “Binding Board Resolution” bearing the stamp and signature of Chandul Shah, a director of property firm AC & Others Ltd, to falsely claim ownership of the multimillion-shilling building.

The plot thickened in February 2024 when Obure allegedly presented the forged resolution to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), insisting he had authority to sell the property.

Investigators later flagged discrepancies, prompting AC & Others Ltd to disown the documents and file a criminal complaint.

“The accused persistently misled officers by presenting fabricated records to advance his claim,” prosecutors told the court, citing a follow-up meeting on February 10 where Obure allegedly doubled down on the forged paperwork.

Obure allegedly used these counterfeit documents to deceive foreign investors into providing him funds under the pretense that he owned the property where his company is located.

During today’s court session, Obure denied the four charges leveled against him. He was released on a personal bond of Ksh 500,000 with an equivalent surety or a cash bail option of Ksh 200,000, along with the condition of providing one personal contact.

The case, now set for pre-trial on February 11, 2025, will hinge on forensic analysis of signatures and testimony from witnesses.

This legal proceeding follows closely on the heels of a significant ruling by Justice Patrick Otieno at the Milimani High Court on January 23, 2025. The judge authorized the Assets Recovery Agency to reclaim over Sh 18 million from two private jet leasing firms associated with Obure, due to their suspected roles in an international money laundering operation.

The case continues to unfold, with further hearings expected to shed more light on the extent of the fraudulent activities and the recovery efforts by the authorities.

Obure is a renowned fake gold scammer who also has alleged murder case hanging over his head.

Obure, is also a well-known figure in Nairobi’s real estate and business circles, has had a controversial history.

Sources familiar with his dealings allege he has previously been involved in disputes over property ownership, with at least two civil cases linked to contested assets in the city. While Obure has built a reputation for spearheading real estate ventures, critics have accused him of using aggressive and, at times, questionable tactics in his business transactions.