A significant development occurred in the ongoing Sh 12.7 million gold fraud case involving politician and businessman Seth Steve Okute. The Nairobi court has authorized the opening of a sealed cash box in his possession, marking a crucial step in the investigation. This article explores the details of the case, the individuals involved, and the implications of the court’s ruling.
The Case of Steve Okute
The case revolves around an alleged gold fraud scheme where Steve Okute and businessman Bruno Otieno Orienda are accused of defrauding a complainant, Marjorie Grant from the USA, out of USD 100,000. The fraud allegedly involved a promise to assist in the shipment of 33 kilograms of gold supposedly held at Nairobi customs offices from Burkina Faso.
The Arrest of Steve Okute
Steve Okute was arrested on February 3, 2023, in Nairobi County. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suspected him of conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to section 393 of the Penal Code. The arrest followed a complaint by Marjorie Grant, who claimed that Okute had lured her into a fraudulent gold deal.
The Role of Bruno Otieno Orienda
Bruno Otieno Orienda is co-accused in the case, facing similar charges of involvement in the gold fraud. Both Okute and Orienda are accused of orchestrating the scheme to defraud Grant by falsely promising to facilitate the gold shipment.
The Sealed Cash Box
During Okute’s arrest, detectives discovered a blue-colored sealed cash box among his possessions. The box, with unknown contents, became a focal point in the investigation, as it was believed to contain crucial evidence related to the fraud.
Court Proceedings
The case came before Magistrate Susan Shitubi, who ruled on several key issues. She directed the police to return personal items belonging to the accused that were not part of the evidence. However, she also authorized the police to open the sealed cash box to aid in the investigation.
The Decision to Open the Cash Box
Magistrate Shitubi authorized the DCI to obtain a search warrant to access and seize the contents of the sealed cash box. This decision is critical for the police to complete their investigation and potentially uncover vital evidence.
Miscellaneous Application by the DCI
The DCI filed a miscellaneous application seeking court permission to open the cash box. They requested that Okute be present during the opening to witness the process, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal protocols.
Search Warrant for the Cash Box
Following the court’s authorization, the DCI will obtain a search warrant to open the box. The opening will take place at the DCI’s offices in the Old Nairobi Area, with Okute in attendance.
Contents of the Cash Box
While the contents of the cash box remain unknown, there is much speculation about what it might contain. Investigators hope to find documents or items that could provide further evidence of the gold fraud scheme.
Involvement of the Complainant
Marjorie Grant, the complainant, played a pivotal role in bringing the case to light. Her email to the DCI and subsequent complaint were instrumental in launching the investigation and leading to the arrests of Okute and Orienda.
Related Content: Zeshan Saroya – A Case of Alleged Fraud and Deception
Legal Implications
The legal implications for Okute and Orienda are significant. If found guilty, they face severe penalties, including long prison sentences and substantial fines. The case also underscores the broader issue of gold fraud in Kenya, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent such scams.
Statements from Authorities
Authorities have been vocal about the case, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the truth. The DCI, in particular, has highlighted the meticulous nature of the investigation and the importance of the court’s authorization to open the cash box.
Reactions from the Accused
Both Okute and Orienda have maintained their innocence, denying the charges against them. Their defense strategies will likely focus on disproving the allegations and challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The court’s decision to authorize the opening of the sealed cash box marks a pivotal moment in the Sh 12.7 million gold fraud case. As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the contents of the box and their potential impact on the case’s outcome. The legal process will unfold further, with significant implications for the accused and broader measures to combat gold fraud in Kenya.
FAQs
What is the current status of the case?
The case is ongoing, with the next steps involving the opening of the sealed cash box and further investigation.
How common are gold fraud cases in Kenya?
Gold fraud cases are relatively common in Kenya, with several high-profile scams reported in recent years.
What penalties do the accused face if found guilty?
If found guilty, the accused could face long prison sentences and substantial fines.
How can foreign nationals protect themselves from similar scams?
Foreign nationals should conduct thorough due diligence, verify the authenticity of deals, and engage local legal counsel when dealing with large transactions.
What measures are being taken to prevent future fraud?
Authorities are enhancing surveillance, improving regulatory frameworks, and increasing public awareness to prevent such fraud in the future.
