Cameroonian National Arrested in USD 618,000 Fake Gold Scam Targeting Canadian Investor
NAIROBI, Kenya — July 31, 2025
Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested a Cameroonian national believed to be the mastermind behind a high-stakes gold scam that defrauded a Canadian investor of USD 618,000.
The suspect, identified as Francis Talla Oufa, also known by the alias Allain, was apprehended following intensive investigations that traced his involvement in a fake gold syndicate operating in Nairobi.
According to police reports, the scam dates back to November 2024, when the Canadian investor, still in his home country, was enticed into a deal involving the purported purchase of 250 kilograms of gold. The promise of significant returns lured him to Kenya in April 2025, where he was welcomed into an elaborate setup designed to mimic a legitimate and flourishing gold trade enterprise.
The victim was introduced to a network of well-coordinated fraudsters operating from upscale, professionally furnished offices. Convinced by their appearance and documentation, he handed over USD 618,000 — only to later realize he had fallen prey to a carefully orchestrated con.
OSU detectives launched investigations into the matter and, relying on forensic evidence, tracked down and arrested Oufa. A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle and residence in Belfair Park, Dagoretti, led to the recovery of crucial items tied to the fraud, including:
Gold transaction-related documents and official-looking seals
A staff ID card for Sunshine Minerals Ltd, listing Oufa as “Engineer Mining”
Two laptops and three mobile phones
Other materials linking him to the criminal operation
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing processing as detectives follow additional leads aimed at dismantling the entire criminal network and bringing Oufa’s accomplices to justice.
Authorities have warned the public — especially international investors — to exercise extreme caution and verify all gold-related transactions through official channels, as cases of fake mineral deals continue to emerge across the region.
