Suspects in controversial $4bn scam to spend weekend in police cells
Eight suspects have been charged with conspiring to defraud a businessman of Sh5.4 million under the pretext of facilitating the movement of $4 billion overseas.
The suspects, Peter Kisanya Modava, Noah Odhiambo Ouma, Peter Makisi Aura, Kavombo Hean Karenga, Brian Waweru Njoroge, Moses Otieno Oduor, Mercy Cheptoo and Charity Njeri Gachuhi, were arraigned before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Wandia Nyamu on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of fake currency and possession of military uniform in Embakasi Nairobi.
Police allege that the eight conspired to defraud Omid Kharkhaneh of $36,000 (KSh5,485,680) at Viraj Godown in Embakasi, Nairobi by pretending they were in a position to aid the transportation of $4,000,000,000 (over Sh608 billion) from Kenya to Dubai.
Police also said they found the suspects in possession of counterfeit $13,800, three military boots, two jungle green trousers, two military jackets and two shorts resembling the Administrative Police Service uniform.
Senior Principal Magistrate Nyamu ordered that the eight be detained until 21 November 2023 when she will make a decision on their bail.
Their arrest had caused much controversy after the DCI claimed the case involved a $439 trillion fraud against two businessmen from the Netherlands. The colossal amount cited caused a stir on social media, with many pointing out the DCI’s error, as global dollar reserves in 2022 stood at $12 trillion.