Renowned businesswoman and CEO of Top Edge Clothing, Emmaculate Odhiambo, widely known as Emma Odhuno, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding foreign investors in a fake gold scam worth millions of dollars.
She was taken into custody by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations alongside her accomplice, Benson Odero.
Odhiambo, who has built a reputation for her glamorous lifestyle, complete with luxury cars and a lavish mansion, is accused of running a well-organized scheme that specifically targeted international investors seeking to purchase gold.
According to investigators, the operation promised investors large quantities of gold at attractive prices, creating an opportunity that appeared too good to ignore.
However, it turned out to be a sophisticated scam that left many victims counting heavy losses. The investigation was launched after several foreign investors came forward to report being deceived.
They were drawn in by convincing offers and elaborate assurances, prompting them to travel to Kenya to finalize the transactions. Once in the country, they found themselves caught in an intricate trap of lies and false identities.
One of the most notable cases involved two investors from Dubai who were led to believe they could acquire 35 kilograms of gold.
They spent days in negotiations before flying to Nairobi, where they were taken to an upscale hotel in Kilimani.
There, they encountered a group of accomplices posing as senior officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Mining.
These imposters confidently reassured the investors that the deal was fully legal and approved.
By the time the victims realized they had been duped, they had already lost USD 54,300.
The complaints prompted the DCI to intensify its probe, which led to several raids in November 2024.
While multiple suspects were apprehended at the time, Odhiambo and Odero managed to avoid arrest for months.
Their eventual capture came on August 13, 2025, during a targeted operation. They were brought to court the next day, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court set the matter for mention on August 18, 2025, when a decision on their bond terms will be made.
The case has drawn significant public attention, not only because of the large sums of money involved but also due to Odhiambo’s high-profile status in the business world.
Many are now questioning how such an elaborate scam could run for so long, leaving international investors with massive losses and tarnishing Kenya’s image as a safe investment destination.
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