Fake Arms Dealer Aarif Gani Charged After Conning Father in Sh300,000 Firearm Licence Scam

A Nairobi businessman who posed as a high-level fixer with inside access to Kenya’s gun-licensing system has been charged with fraud after allegedly swindling a father of Sh300,000 in a fake firearm certificate deal that investigators say was “a textbook con.”

Aarif Ibrahim Gani was arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts after detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) concluded months-long investigations into what they believe is part of a rising wave of firearm-related fraud targeting desperate applicants frustrated by Kenya’s slow and highly guarded licensing process.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Gani—working with an accomplice still at large—approached the complainant in December 2024, claiming he had powerful connections at the Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) and could secure a firearm certificate for the victim’s son “within weeks.”

To reinforce the illusion, detectives say the suspect spun a narrative involving senior security officials and implied he could bypass the board’s notoriously strict vetting procedure.

Over the next three months, the victim made deposits totalling Sh300,000, believing the money was being used for “processing fees” and “expedited approvals.”

But when no licence materialised, Gani allegedly produced a forged FLB letter, claiming the Board was undergoing “technical upgrades to its system,” and asked for more time.

Investigators now say the letter was fabricated to prolong the scam and prevent the victim from raising alarm.

Sources familiar with firearms vetting procedures told this publication that the FLB has recently been dealing with a surge in impersonation cases, with fraudsters exploiting applicants’ frustration and lack of information.

The Board has repeatedly warned that no individual—no matter how well-connected—can influence the issuance of a firearm certificate, which involves multi-agency background checks, psychological screening, and verification by security units.

Gani was arrested earlier this week after the victim finally reported the matter to police.

He has been charged with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on a Sh100,000 cash bail with one contact person.

Investigators confirmed that the hunt for his accomplice is still underway and that more victims may come forward, as the suspects are believed to have targeted individuals seeking to obtain firearms for personal security amid rising crime concerns.

The case will be mentioned on December 15, 2025, as prosecutors move to secure evidence including digital communications, bank records, and the forged letter allegedly used in the scheme.