Congolese National Charged In Sh224M Gold Fraud

A Congolese national has been charged before a Nairobi court with conspiracy to steal Sh224 million in a gold scam business.

Eric Kalala Mukendi appeared before the Milimani principal magistrate Gilbert Shikwe facing the charges of conspiracy to steal the said money property of Tanner Caldwell Cook by false pretences.

The prosecution told the court that on diverse dates between March 31 and May 30, 2024 at the Nairobi City County within the country jointly with others who were not present in court conspired to steal USD 1,271,200 by falsely that he was in a position to sell 2820 Kg of gold to Tanner Caldwell Cook which was a false fact.

In the second count, he was accused of obtaining the said money which was approximately equivalent to Sh223,756,000.

He appeared before the Milimani principal magistrate Gilbert Shikwe and denied the charges.

The prosecution did not oppose his release on bond but urged the court to consider the accused is a foreigner and the money in question therefore to put stringent terms,

“Your honour I urge this honourable court to consider the accused person is a foreigner and there is higher possibility of absconding if released on lenient terms.” The prosecutor submitted.

Further she told the magistrate that the accused person should be ordered to deposit his travel documents to make sure he appears in court for trials

In his part, the defence lawyer prayed the court for lenient bond terms citing that despite the accused being a Congolese national has married to a Kenyan residing in the country,

“Your honour I pray this court to release the accused person on lenient bond terms considering he is a family man married to a Kenyan and his place of abode is known.” The defence lawyer submitted.

The magistrate ordered the accused to be remanded in custody awaiting the ruling on his bail plea tomorrow, December 11, 2024.