In an unexpected turn of events, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) envoy to Kenya Khalid Al Mualla has refuted reports claiming that the country’s ruler lost Sh400 million to Kenyan fake gold scammers.
Al Mualla strangely termed as false reports that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai was swindled out of millions in a fake gold deal involving Kenyan nationals.
He has also dismissed claims that Sheikh Mohammed has written to the Kenyan government demanding the immediate release of his gold consignment allegedly held by authorities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“There is no such letter. It is all fabricated, and even if there were, who in their right sense would believe him? He is the vice-president of the country. There has been no official communication on this issue between Kenya and the UAE,” Al Mualla was quoted Daily Nation.
Mualla also says Sheikh Mohammed is not related in any way with Ali Zandi, who is claimed to be his nephew and the link between the Dubai ruler and the fake gold sellers in Kenya.
“I can’t tell you if he (Zandi) exists or not, but who is he? Can anyone show me proof that the gold was going to the ruler of Dubai? I have not seen such a thing and I think someone was working hard to damage relations, which are cordial,” he adds.
Al Mualla also insisted that relations between the UAE and Kenya are intact, adding that the matter involves two private companies from both countries.
On the other hand, DCI George Kinoti said they have solid leads on suspects involved in the fake gold racket in Kilimani some of whom are influential businessmen, lawyers and judicial officers.
Kinoti also revealed that the suspects have been enjoying protection from some corrupt senior police officers and government officials.
Also under the DCI’s radar are officials at the Kenya Airports Authority and the Immigration Department.
Detectives on Monday raided a residential home in Riara and discovered fake gold smelting materials even as the probe that has shaken the nation intensifies.
According to DCI reports, burners, two gas cylinders and metallic plates shaped like ingots (a piece of metal, usually in the shape of a narrow brick) were nabbed.
According to (DCI) George Kinoti, once melted into ingots, the metal with insignificant gold content is then used to lure unsuspecting businessmen.
The detectives also identified the tenant of the house that was raided on Tuesday last week as Abdul Rashid.
He is said to have got wind of the impending raid and escaped before detectives arrived at the house.
He said that some of the suspects are influential politicians, businessmen, lawyers and judicial officers who enjoy the protection of police and senior government officials.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, politician Zaheer Jhanda, and flashy businessman Jared Otieno have been adversely mentioned in the scam.