City businessman in court for allegedly defrauding American Ksh.223M in fake gold deal

A businessman has been arraigned in court over allegations of defrauding a foreign national of Ksh.223 million in a fake gold deal.

David Onyango Ochanda appeared before Magistrate Dolphina Alego, where he denied two charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences.

According to the charge sheet, between March 31 and May 30, 2024, in Nairobi County, Ochanda conspired with others already before the court to defraud American national Tanner Caldwell Cook of USD 1,271,200 (approximately Ksh.223.7 million).

The accused allegedly claimed he could sell 2,820 kilograms of gold to the complainant, knowing the claim was false.

In the second count, Ochanda is accused of obtaining the same amount from Cook by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

Through his lawyer, Ochanda sought release on cash bail or bond, noting that his co-accused in a related case had been granted similar terms.

The prosecution did not oppose the application, confirming that the other suspects had been freed on a cash bail of Ksh.400,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh.1 million.

Magistrate Alego granted Ochanda the same terms, releasing him on a cash bail of Ksh.400,000 or a bond of Ksh.1 million, pending trial.