Indian National Arrested at JKIA Over Alleged Ksh172 Million Gold Investment Fraud

Sign InCrimeIndian National Arrested at JKIA Over Alleged Ksh172 Million Gold Investment FraudBy Andrew Kariuki · November 14, 2026 · 1 min readSponsored AdAn Indian national has been arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over allegations of defrauding an investor of approximately Ksh172.3 million in a gold investment deal involving a promised consignment of 210 kilograms of the precious metal.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Maheshbhai Rameshbhai Bhadra, who was intercepted shortly after arriving in Kenya aboard a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

His arrest was carried out by detectives from the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Office following investigations into a complaint by an investor who accused him of obtaining USD 1,325,970 through a fraudulent gold transaction.

According to the DCI, the complainant allegedly transferred the money through an informal Hawala arrangement involving agents operating in Dubai and Kenya.

Investigators say the investor was persuaded to release the funds after being promised 210 kilograms of gold. However, the anticipated transaction reportedly failed to materialise despite the substantial amount of money having been transferred.

The investigation subsequently led detectives to the suspect, whose arrest was effected under a stop order issued by the Milimani Law Courts.

Bhadra remains in police custody undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment as investigators pursue the case and establish the circumstances surrounding the disputed transaction.

The DCI said the arrest forms part of its efforts to investigate financial fraud, trace suspicious transactions and pursue individuals suspected of defrauding investors.

The allegations against the suspect have not been tested in court, and his arrest does not amount to a finding of guilt.