The mastermind behind a mineral export scam that defrauded a Chinese investor of Ksh151 million has been sentenced to three years in prison or pay a Sh10 million fine after being found guilty of obtaining money by false pretences.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, 24, 2026, at the Milimani Law Courts, the suspect was convicted of Obtaining Money by False Pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

The conviction brings to a close an elaborate transnational fraud scheme in which the suspect allegedly used multiple identities, forged legitimacy through convincing paperwork, and promised lucrative mineral exports to lure the investor.

Investigators said the victim was led to believe he was purchasing a shipment of valuable minerals destined for export, only for the deal to unravel and expose what authorities described as a carefully orchestrated scam.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the DCI, the scheme was carefully crafted to resemble a legitimate mineral export operation, with shipments moving through official channels, supporting documentation appearing authentic and cargo containers sealed for export.

The suspect was arrested on April 5, 2024, shortly after arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Entebbe, Uganda.

Investigators alleged that upon arrival, the suspect attempted to enter the country using alternative travel documents despite an active stop order linked to one of his known identities.

Tantalum is a rare, heat-resistant metal mainly used in the manufacturing of electronic devices because of its ability to store and regulate electrical energy efficiently.

It is commonly found in smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, medical equipment, and automotive electronics, where it is used to make capacitors and other critical components.

Additionally, the court ordered that the Ksh 151 million lost in the fraudulent mineral deal be refunded to the victim.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke