Cameroonian Held in Sh80M Fake Gold Scam Targeting Canadian

• Jul 31, 2025

A Cameroonian man has been arrested in Nairobi for allegedly scamming a Canadian investor out of over Sh80 million.

Detectives from Kenya’s Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested Francis Talla Oufa, also known as Allain, for allegedly orchestrating a high-value gold scam that defrauded a Canadian national of $618,000 (approximately Sh80 million). According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect lured the investor into a fake gold deal in November 2024 while the victim was still in Canada.

The deal involved the supposed purchase of 250 kilograms of gold, with promises of significant profits. Encouraged by the potential return, the Canadian investor travelled to Kenya in April 2025 to finalize the agreement. Upon arrival, he was taken to lavish offices, which were part of an elaborate setup to make the operation appear professional and legitimate.

“He was ushered into plush, high-end offices by an alleged business partner, an elaborate front designed to project the illusion of a thriving, legitimate gold enterprise,” DCI said in a statement shared on X.

The victim was then introduced to several individuals who posed as part of the gold trade network. Together, they convinced him to invest the entire $618,000 into the operation. It was only later that he realized he had been swindled.

After the scam was reported, DCI detectives launched a swift investigation and tracked the suspect to his residence in the Belfair Park area of Dagoretti. A search of his car and home led to the discovery of items believed to be linked to the fraudulent scheme.

Recovered items included documents and seals related to fake gold transactions, a staff card from a company called Sunshine Minerals Ltd with Oufa’s name and the title “Engineer Mining,” two laptops, three mobile phones, and other materials connected to the operation.

The suspect is now in custody awaiting arraignment on charges related to fraud. Meanwhile, authorities have launched a manhunt for his accomplices, who are believed to be part of the wider network involved in the con.