Local detectives are on high alert after an increase in the gold smuggling syndicate from war torn Democratic Republic of Congo through Kenya to several destinations in Middle East, Asia and parts of Europe.
DCI sleuths have discovered a consignement of 100kg of gold smuggled through the country from Goma in Eastern DRC to Dubai last week
Two German nationals known as Marc Schuman (35) and Tobias Steinherr (42) are believed to be behind the latest racket, where they used fake documents to evade the detection by the sleuths. The consignment finally reached the end buyer in Dubai, a Pakistani businessman in Dubai who is a frequent visitor to Kenya with connection to influential government officials.
The due also have a close relationship with the Congo rebels they support in procurement of military materials and medicine
It is believed that the current instability in Eastern DRC that has witnessed the death of more than 1,000 soldiers and civilians has fueled the smuggling syndicate.
The ongoing conflict, particularly around Goma and Bukavu creates a chaotic environment that smugglers exploit with the help of the rebels to move gold and other valuable,
Many armed groups in the region, including the M23, are heavily involved in the illegal mining and smuggling of gold to finance their operations. They often control mining sites and establish smuggling routes, using force and intimidation to maintain their control.