A Kilifi court has ordered two Italian nationals, Daniele Lo Coco and Massimo Nativi, accused of defrauding a woman of Ksh 32 million, to immediately surrender their passports. This move follows concerns raised by the court over their attempt to arrange travel plans without informing the authorities of the upcoming court proceedings. The court noted that such actions could be seen as an attempt to influence the ongoing legal process.
The Chief Magistrate, James Mwaniki, issued the ruling after reviewing the case, which involved the two men allegedly defrauding Rita Nappo, a businesswoman, of a significant sum. The case has captured the attention of the public, particularly given the substantial amount of money involved and the international nature of the accused.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred between August 30, 2018, and August 1, 2019, in the Watamu area of Malindi Sub County, within Kilifi County. According to the prosecution, Lo Coco and Nativi deceived Rita Nappo into believing they had the ability to sublease her luxury villa. The two men are alleged to have made false representations, leading Nappo to part with Ksh 17 million, with the promise that they would manage the property for her.
While the details of how the fraud was carried out remain under investigation, it is clear that the two men used deceptive tactics to gain Nappo’s trust. The businesswoman was led to believe that the arrangement was legitimate, only to later discover that she had been duped. The case highlights the risks of fraud within real estate transactions, particularly involving foreign nationals who may be difficult to track down if they attempt to flee the country.
In response to the court’s order, Lo Coco and Nativi are expected to surrender their passports to the Kilifi court immediately. This step is crucial to prevent them from leaving the country while the legal process unfolds. Should either of the accused need to travel for any reason, they are required to formally apply to the court for permission. The court will then decide whether to release their passports temporarily based on the circumstances presented.
The decision to retain the passports of the accused is part of a broader effort to ensure that both men do not attempt to flee the jurisdiction, a common concern in cases involving significant sums of money. The court’s ruling reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the judicial process and preventing any potential interference that could hinder the course of justice.
This case is still in its early stages, and further hearings will take place in the coming weeks. The outcome of the trial could have wide-reaching implications, especially for foreign nationals involved in business ventures in Kenya. If found guilty, the two men could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, depending on the severity of the fraud and the impact on the victim.
For the time being, both Lo Coco and Nativi remain out on bail, with their travel restricted by the court’s order. The case has raised concerns about the growing issue of fraud involving foreign nationals in Kenya, especially in the lucrative real estate sector. As the legal proceedings continue, the court will carefully examine the evidence presented, including the details of the alleged fraudulent transactions, to determine the appropriate course of action.
The public will be closely watching the developments of this case, which underscores the importance of vigilance and transparency in business dealings. It also serves as a reminder that individuals seeking to engage in property transactions, whether locally or internationally, should take steps to verify the legitimacy of their business partners to avoid falling victim to fraud.
