A US national was on Tuesday arraigned at Milimani Law Courts for allegedly defrauding a compatriot of $1.35 million in a fraudulent gold deal.

Antonucci Sergio Patrick, charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretences, was arrested upon arrival from Dubai.

According to detectives, Sergio met the complainant in Las Vegas in July 2023, introducing himself as “a former banker and investor and legal consultant that specialised in conducting business in markets that are considered hostile and complex by the United States standards.”

Impressed by Sergio’s credentials, the complainant hired him to oversee gold transactions in Africa, paying him a $50,000 signing bonus in August 2023, followed by two payments of $15,000 in January and February 2024.

The complainant later travelled to Nairobi, where Sergio introduced him to alleged accomplice Caden Gebhard, described as “an active duty US Soldier with the 19th Special Forces Group,” and the purported gold seller.

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A Sales and Purchase Agreement was signed between the complainant’s company, AURUMSIC ONE LLC, and AERO Logistics for 2,820kg of gold. The complainant paid $1,271,200 across various transactions between March and May 2024, but no gold was delivered.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to Sergio’s arrest. Investigations have also implicated Congolese national Eric Kalala Mukendi, who has already been charged.

Sergio pleaded not guilty and was granted a bond of Sh10 million with one Kenyan surety. The case will be mentioned on January 23, 2025. Detectives are pursuing more suspects linked to the scam.