Tim Orao Shikalo
Vincent Olowa Wanton
Tim Orao Shikalo, alias Vincent Olowa Wanton, a notorious figure allegedly linked to a Sh38 million gold scam, has been arraigned in court to face fraud-related charges. Appearing before Magistrate Benmark Ekhubi, Shikalo pleaded not guilty.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred between February 1 and August 2, 2024, in Nairobi. According to the prosecution, Shikalo conspired with others still at large to defraud Asianic Limited of USD 265,200 (approximately Ksh 38 million) by falsely claiming he could sell 580 kilograms of gold to the company—a claim he allegedly knew was false.
The suspect also faces an additional charge of obtaining money by pretense during the same period. Investigators revealed that the scam centered on promises of delivering over 1,080 kilograms of gold. However, forensic tests later showed that the materials involved contained only copper, zinc, and tin, with no trace of any actual gold.
Shikalo’s arrest marks a breakthrough in the ongoing probe into a sophisticated gold-related fraud targeting foreign investors. The suspect is believed to have played a central role in forging documents, orchestrating fake contracts, and offering false guarantees of legal protection.
This case follows the earlier arrest of Steve Okoth Odek, also known as David Beth, who was detained on December 7, 2024, and charged with involvement in the same gold scam. Authorities are closely monitoring two more suspects thought to be part of the same criminal ring, which has allegedly swindled multiple victims through fraudulent gold transactions.
