Nairobi City: Detectives investigating high-profile gold scams across the country have arraigned Antonucci Sergio Patrick, a U.S. citizen, at Milimani Law Courts. Sergio is accused of conspiracy to commit a felony and obtaining money by false pretenses, following his arrest upon arrival from Dubai.
Investigations revealed that Sergio orchestrated a scheme involving thousands of kilograms of gold, duping a compatriot victim out of over $1.35 million. The case dates back to July 2023, when Sergio met the victim in Las Vegas, Nevada, introducing himself as a former banker, investor, and legal consultant specializing in navigating “hostile and complex markets.”
Impressed by Sergio’s credentials, the victim contracted him to oversee gold transactions in Africa, believing Sergio was licensed. Payments began with a $50,000 signing bonus in August 2023, followed by $15,000 in January and February 2024.
The elaborate scheme unfolded in Nairobi, where Sergio introduced the victim to a supposed U.S. soldier, Caden Gebhard, presented as a contact with regional influence. The victim also met a Congolese accomplice, Eric Kalala Mukendi, and a purported licensed gold exporter at Four Points by Sheraton in Hurlingham, Nairobi.
Through his company, AURUMSIC ONE LLC, the victim signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement with AERO Logistics for 2,820kg of gold, making payments totaling $1,271,200 between March and May 2024. However, no gold was ever delivered, prompting the victim to report the scam.
In court, 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, for pretrial. Meanwhile, authorities are pursuing other suspects connected to the scam
