Four individuals accused of orchestrating a complex fraud scheme amounting to Sh19 million have been arraigned before the Kibera Law Courts, where they face multiple counts of obtaining money by false pretenses.
The accused — Nancy Njeri Kamau alias Nelly Mbogo, Lucy Wangui Muturi alias Judy, Ephantus Ngethe Gichuki, and Joseph Karanja Macharia alias Kareithi — were presented before Chief Magistrate Ann Mwangi, but did not take a plea as scheduled after their lawyer informed the court that one of the accused was unwell and unable to appear in person.
The Alleged Sh19 Million Fraud
According to the prosecution, the four are accused of defrauding Jackline Wambui Njeru of more than Sh19 million through a series of elaborate scams involving fake foreign currency clearance, counterfeit anti-terror certificates, and bogus cargo clearance deals.
In the first count, Nancy Njeri Kamau, Lucy Wangui Muturi, and Joseph Karanja Macharia are alleged to have defrauded Wambui of Sh5.6 million by pretending that they were capable of facilitating the removal of a seal imprinted on USD 1.8 million, which they claimed was being held at a secure location.
The trio, alongside Ephantus Ngethe Gichuki, also allegedly obtained an additional Sh4.5 million, falsely claiming they could secure an anti-terror certificate from the United Nations Board to authorize the release of the said currency.
Bogus Cargo and Tax Clearance Scams
The suspects are further accused of obtaining Sh1.4 million from the complainant under the pretext of assisting her in recovering a “consignment” allegedly held in Sudan.
They later demanded and received another Sh2 million, claiming they would help her settle Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) taxes for the clearance of cargo purportedly originating from South Sudan.
Investigators believe the group has been involved in multiple cross-border fraud networks targeting unsuspecting investors and businesspeople, posing as government officials and international intermediaries.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
During the brief mention, Prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that charges have been approved and that the case is ready for plea-taking.
However, defense counsel requested a deferral, citing health issues affecting one of the accused.
Chief Magistrate Ann Mwangi granted the request and directed that the accused persons take plea on Tuesday next week, after all parties are present.
The prosecution hinted that more details about the syndicate’s operations will be revealed once the case proceeds to full hearing.
Journalists and legal reporters are expected to cover the plea session on Monday, when additional facts about the alleged fraud network are likely to emerge.