The Kenyan Criminal Intelligence Support Unit detectives have netted eight suspects in a USD 439 trillion scam that has been targeting foreign nationals of Dutch origin.
According to the detectives, the suspects, following surveillance and intelligence, were nabbed at a warehouse in Nairobi with several boxes stashed with fake dollars.
“The suspects had in their possession fake dollars, stolen jungle fatigues for APS security officers, military boots, and customs reflector jackets,” said the detective team.
They noted that the foreigners were scammed through a WhatsApp call made by a number registered in the names of Canopy Shield agencies. Investigators state that a person who claimed to be a customs officer called, claiming that a batch of 40 pallets worth USD 36,000 billion flown in from Dubai was held at a warehouse and clearance was required.
“Booking a flight to Kenya, the foreign nationals landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, hoping to clear their goods as required,” said the detectives.
The detectives added that they got wind of the scam and followed it up.
The alleged customs officer led the two foreigners to the purported consignment was being held.
They further revealed that when the suspects got busy convincing their target to part with USD 36,000, the operation team stormed the premises and found USD 439 trillion in their possession.
The detectives identified the suspects as Moses Otieno, Peter Aura, Brian Waweru, John Kalombo, Peter Kisanya, Noah Ouma, Charity Njeri, and Mercy Cheptoo.
According to the detectives, the investigations are ongoing, and the foreign nationals are being held and interviewed to shed more light on the business deals in question.