DCI sources are in the process to establish how smart Nairobi conmen dressed in expensive Italian suits worth hundreds of dollars and driving German engines have been carrying out fake deals and living rich.
Seven men who allegedly conned a Sameer Africa boss out of Sh10 million by pretending to be President Uhuru Kenyatta live in palatial homes in high-end neighbourhoods. They have links to State House, Harambee House and other powerful offices which they use to execute their deceptive deals.
It is alleged that the seven used mobile number 0722 208842 to call Sameer Africa chairman Naushad Merali, asking him to facilitate the release of the money for the purchase of land, while mimicking the voice of the President.
They pretended the call was from State House in Nairobi.
Joseph Waswa, Duncan Muchai, Isaac Wajekeche, William Simiyu, David Luganya, Gilbert Kirunja and Anthony Wafula are being investigated in connection with forgery, conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences.
Police detectives follow a trail in which they believe the scammers lure rich business people with the promises of restricted tenders mainly involving the supply of goods.
To win the trust of potential bidders, the fraudsters — in collusion with government officials and police officers — forge documents on letterhead and invite their targets to government offices to sign fake documents.
According to police, Mr Merali was outside the country on a business trip when the fraudsters called him.
He therefore gave complainant Akif Hamid Butt, the Finance Director of Sameer Africa, the go-ahead to process the payment, believing he had spoken to the head of State.
Mr Butt was told that the money was for the purchase of land in Milimani, Nairobi, and the fraudsters gave him the number of an account at Equity Bank, into which he deposited it.
A supporting affidavit by Corporal James Mwangi, who is based at the DCI Headquarters, says police are looking investigating forgery, conspiracy to commit to commit fraud and obtaining money by false pretences.
“The complainant was contacted by fraudsters using several telephone numbers purportedly from President Uhuru Kenyatta. The complainant realised he had been dealing with fraudsters after he had lost his Sh10 million,” the court heard.
Police arrested the suspects on February 22 and 23 and will probe a crime believed to involved fraudulent misrepresentation, millions of shillings and senior State House officials.
During the operation, police seized four vehicles including a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Toyota Mark X , a Toyota Axio and a Toyota Crown.
The investigation will establish whether the vehicles are linked to the crime.
The court was told it was likely the suspects would carry on with their criminal activities if released and interfere with potential witnesses and documentary evidence yet to be obtained.