Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Abdirizak Kassim Bare, a key suspect in a major sugar import fraud involving over Ksh 100 million. Bare, 46, was apprehended and brought before the Milimani Law Courts on April 9, 2025, following a comprehensive investigation into a criminal syndicate responsible for defrauding four businesspersons in the importation of 15,000 bags of sugar.
The fraudulent activities took place between May and October 2023, when the victims were drawn into a business deal to import sugar from Brazil. The deal seemed legitimate, and the victims made payments totaling over Ksh 100 million, transferring the funds to five different bank accounts under the syndicate’s control. However, after the payments were made, the victims soon discovered that the promised sugar shipments never materialized, and the fraudsters had disappeared without a trace.
Desperate to recover their funds, the victims reported the matter to the DCI. This led to a detailed and methodical investigation by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit. The investigation focused on tracking down the criminals behind the scam and collecting enough evidence to bring them to justice. The findings were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), which authorized the prosecution of the suspects involved in the scheme.
As a result of the investigation, the ODPP decided to press charges against the suspects, including Bare, who faced multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretenses. This charge contravenes Section 313 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes fraudulent schemes aimed at obtaining money or property through deception.
In the early hours of Wednesday, the officers arrested Kassim Bare, who was the first to be apprehended in connection with the fraud ring. During his court appearance, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bare was granted a bond of Ksh 3 million with an alternative cash bail option of Ksh 500,000.
The arrest of Bare is a significant step in dismantling the criminal network that orchestrated the fraudulent deal. The DCI has continued to pursue other members of the syndicate, and additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues. The authorities are also working closely with financial institutions to trace the remaining illicit funds and ensure that the victims receive compensation.
The case has drawn attention to the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes targeting businesses in Kenya, especially in the import and export sectors. The authorities have emphasized the importance of vigilance and caution in conducting business transactions, particularly when dealing with large sums of money. The rise in such fraudulent activities has also led to calls for stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring of transactions involving foreign imports.
Bare’s arrest has sent a strong message to other individuals involved in similar fraudulent activities, as the DCI continues to crack down on such crimes. The successful investigation and subsequent charges highlight the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect the public and ensure that individuals who engage in fraudulent practices are held accountable.
As the case progresses, the DCI has vowed to pursue all leads and work towards bringing the entire syndicate to justice. The victims of the sugar import fraud continue to seek justice and hope that the arrest of Bare will lead to the recovery of their lost funds. The case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with business transactions and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of deals before committing large sums of money.
