Detectives have arrested three individuals accused of orchestrating a series of fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting victims.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 21, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspects as Rafael Ojiambo, Samuel Ayako, and Wilfred Gitonga. The trio was apprehended while attempting to defraud a Kenyan by delivering a safe purportedly containing $1.2 million in counterfeit US dollars.
According to the DCI, the suspects planned to exchange the fake cash for genuine money. Investigations revealed that the group had previously swindled Ksh 4.3 million from another victim in a separate incident.
“A Toyota NZE Reg. No. KBN 101D, which was being used to ferry the safe containing the fake dollars, was impounded. The safe and its contents have been secured as exhibits,” the DCI reported.
The suspects were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Milimani, where the court granted custodial orders for their detention at Kilimani Police Station until January 27, 2025.
The DCI issued a strong warning to the public, urging caution against falling victim to similar get-rich-quick scams.
“Members of the public are cautioned against engaging in such schemes as they are designed to rob them of their hard-earned money,” the statement read.
The DCI further disclosed that some victims had lost valuable assets, including houses and vehicles, after using them as collateral to obtain cash that eventually turned out to be counterfeit.
“These criminals leave victims with nothing but millions of fake dollars, causing immense financial and emotional distress,” the DCI warned.
Authorities have urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
