German Investor, Kenyan Trader Charged with Sh21.2 Million Gold Scam
A German investor based at Kitengela has been charged jointly with a Kenyan trader with stealing Sh 21.2 million from an international businessman claiming they were in a position to airlift 700 kg of gold and USD 30,000,000 from Kenya to Turkey.
Richard Heineg Olaf and Julius Kirimi Muthuri were charged before Milimani senior principal magistrate Robinson Ondieki.
The duo denied that between November 14, 2023, and March 4, 2024, stole USD 163,490 (Sh 21,153,700) pretending they were in a position to facilitate the transportation of 700 kilograms of gold and USD 30,000,000 in cash from Kenya to Turkey.
They denied two charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money through pretences from Roger Gahwiler.
The two applied to have their luggage confiscated from them be released to them.
They further urged a motor vehicle and cell phones to be released to them.
The defence lawyer applied to have the two admitted to reasonable cash bail saying they were not flight risk and their places of abode are known.
The lawyer told the magistrate that Richard has invested heavily in Kenya through his companies Euro Future Africa and Dream Couples which has spread its business tender course to Uganda,
“I urge this court to release Richard on reasonable terms given that he has invested heavily in this country. He runs two companies which earns the taxman a lot of revenue,” the layer submitted.
The lawyer further disclosed that Richard who is pursuing Kenyan citizenship is married to a Kenyan and their union has been blessed with a child,
“He has already been interviewed by the immigration department to verify his status before his citizenship application is considered,” the magistrate was told.
The court heard that the immigration department interviewed him on his citizenship plea on September 9, 2024, and is due to get a response.
The magistrate was told that Muthuri and Richard were established businessmen in the country.
Muthuri is married to two wives who reside in Meru and Thika respectively and they have five children.
State prosecutor Evelyn Mutisya opposed the duo being released on Cash bail saying Richard is a foreigner and he is a frequent traveler.
She urged the court to order them to deposit their travelling documents in court.
The magistrate reserved his ruling until Friday.