Last Updated on March 10, 2026 by carolyne juma
DPP Opposes Bail for Three Kenyans Wanted in US Fraud Case
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 11:58 AM
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has opposed the release of three Kenyan suspects wanted in the United States of America over alleged computer fraud and identity theft offences.
Through prosecutor JV Owiti, the prosecution urged the court to deny bail to Elvis Obaigwa, Francis Asanyo and Peter Omari pending the hearing and determination of extradition proceedings.
Owiti told the court that the three suspects pose a serious flight risk.
Facing Up to 30 Years in Prison
According to the prosecution, the suspects are wanted in the United States for:
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Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
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Aggravated identity theft
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Aiding and abetting fraud
“These offences attract serious penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment,” Owiti told the court.
“I beseech this Court to deny Obaigwa, Asanyo and Omari bail or bond pending the hearing and determination of the extradition proceedings.”
READ:Julius Mwale Accused in $1.7M Fraud Scandal Targeting U.S. Investors
Formal Extradition Request from the United States
The court heard that on February 26, 2026, the DPP received a formal extradition request from the United States.
The request was submitted through the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice.
It was transmitted by Jeffrey M. Olson, Associate Director of the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division in the United States.
The suspects were indicted by a Grand Jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division on November 15, 2023.
Alleged Business Email Compromise Scheme
Investigators say the suspects were part of an organized criminal network operating from Kenya.
According to court documents, the group targeted:
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Universities
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Corporations
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State and local government institutions
The fraud allegedly involved Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes.
The suspects allegedly impersonated construction and information technology companies that had contracts with victim institutions.
Domain Spoofing and Fake Email Accounts
In an affidavit filed in court, Chief Inspector Nickson Ngigi said the suspects registered internet domains resembling those of legitimate companies.
The tactic is commonly referred to as domain spoofing.
The suspects allegedly used the fake domains to create email accounts and communicate with employees of targeted organizations.
Victims were then tricked into changing payment instructions to bank accounts controlled by the fraud network.
READ:Businessman Ordered to Defend Himself in Sh8.1 Million Nairobi Gold Fraud Case
Use of Money Mules
The court further heard that the group used US-based “money mules” to move stolen funds.
These individuals allegedly opened bank accounts under the names of legitimate companies.
Once the funds were transferred, the suspects allegedly directed how the money would be moved.
Methods reportedly included:
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Secondary bank transfers
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Cash withdrawals
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Cheques
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International transfers through Remitly, WorldRemit and Sendwave
FBI Investigation
According to investigators, the FBI has been investigating the fraud network for several years.
The investigation disrupted attempts to steal at least $20 million and prevented potential losses of about $180 million.
Authorities estimate that the fraud network caused actual losses of more than $4.4 million dating back to 2009.
The court will determine whether the suspects will remain in custody as the extradition proceedings continue.
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