As security agencies intensify their initiatives to address the issues of counterfeiting and fraud, a businessman in Bungoma County is facing a significant financial setback amounting to Ksh 13.2 million due to the actions of con artists.
Constantine Simati Wafula, a 54-year-old father of two and proprietor of a tourism and resort enterprise in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, shared his experience of being approached by individuals who sought his assistance in exchange for alleged ‘business advantages. READ FULL STORY’
Wafula asserts that a man named George, who was later revealed to be Samuel Omari, solicited his help in facilitating the processing of Ksh 774 million for a supposed orphan named Warren Kimotho, whose true identity was ultimately discovered to be Clement Maina Muriithi.
Wafula asserts that he was deceived by the duo and their associates, Walter Wekhanya Keya, Robert Hensen, and Kerry Marshall, into making multiple payments intended to facilitate the alleged clearance of the orphan Warren’s USD 6 million.
What Wafula initially perceived as a legitimate opportunity ultimately revealed itself to be a fraudulent operation.
The five individuals utilized the reputation of the international forex company De La Rue to gain Wafula’s confidence.
They made enticing promises, persuading him to sell three valuable plots of land to finance the supposed dollar clearance.
However, the anticipated funds never came to fruition. In light of this experience, Wafula has issued a strong advisory to Kenyans, urging them to remain vigilant when approached for assistance or business opportunities, and to be wary of potential money laundering schemes.
Kimotho, the alleged orphan, has been arrested and is awaiting a court hearing scheduled for September 19, 2024.
Notably, scamming in Kenya has become increasingly prevalent, with various types of fraud targeting unsuspecting individuals.
Common scams include online investment schemes, job scams, and romance scams, often promising high returns or easy money.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued warnings about a surge in online investment scams, particularly those related to cryptocurrency.
To combat these scams, authorities recommend documenting all communications, reporting incidents to relevant bodies, and exercising caution with unsolicited offers.
Vishing and phishing are also significant concerns, affecting many Kenyans.
