Abdul Razak Rehan, Mohammed Amin Suleiman, and Ebrahim Ahmed Ebrahim—have been arraigned for their alleged involvement in a high-profile fraud scheme that defrauded a Pakistani national of Ksh116 million. The suspects, who face serious charges of orchestrating a sophisticated scam, appeared before the court amidst a heightened public interest in the case.
The fraudulent scheme reportedly began when the victim was lured to Kenya with the promise of lucrative business opportunities in the scrap metal and car battery industries. The scheme, carefully crafted and executed, saw the victim convinced to invest substantial sums under false pretenses. The deception was facilitated by the trio’s elaborate ruse involving fake official positions and forged documents.
Upon the victim’s arrival in Kenya, he was directed by Ebrahim Ahmed Ebrahim to establish a company, a process for which he was instructed to pay Ksh7 million. The payment was made to Mohammed Amin Suleiman and Abdul Razak Rehan, who had impersonated high-ranking officials. Suleiman was purportedly an accountant at the Registrar of Companies, while Rehan posed as a personal assistant to the Deputy President. Their fabricated official capacities lent an air of legitimacy to their demands.
The victim’s trust was exploited further as he was coerced into making additional payments for fabricated expenses. These included costs for warehouse rent, purchases of scrap metal and car batteries, customs duties, and special permits. As a result, the victim was systematically drained of Ksh116 million. The funds were transferred under the guise of legitimate business transactions, but the reality was a carefully orchestrated fraud.
The fraud came to light when investigators uncovered discrepancies in the documents provided to the victim. A detailed examination revealed that the permits were forged and did not originate from any official government office. This crucial discovery initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies employed advanced investigative techniques, including analysis of geo-locations and movements, to track down the suspects.
Following their arrest, the trio was charged and brought before the Milimani Law Courts. They pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges. The court has set each suspect’s bond at Ksh5 million, with one surety required, reflecting the gravity of the allegations. The case has captured significant media attention, highlighting the severity of financial crimes and the importance of vigilant enforcement.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has underscored its commitment to addressing all criminal cases with thoroughness and fairness. In a statement on X, the DCI appealed to anyone who may have been affected by similar fraudulent schemes to come forward. Individuals are encouraged to report to the DCI Headquarters, their nearest police station, or through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 9, 2024, with expectations for further developments as the legal proceedings unfold. The significant amount involved in the fraud and the high-profile nature of the suspects underscore the need for robust measures to combat and prevent financial crimes.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which fraudsters will go to exploit individuals and highlights the essential role of law enforcement in uncovering and prosecuting such schemes. As the legal process continues, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for the victim and addressing the broader implications of the fraud.
