Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the prime suspect in the USD 439 trillion mega fraud in Nairobi.
In a statement on Saturday, November 18, DCI announced that detectives arrested the mastermind behind the failed scandal from his hideout in Gigiri in Nairobi.
“The mastermind in the multi-trillion-dollar fraud implicating eight other accused persons has been flushed out of his Gigiri hideout in Nairobi by the Operations Support detectives,” said DCI.
Besides, Belek, who is believed to have authored communications with the complainants, joins his 8 accomplices who were charged at Milimani Law Courts on Friday.
Belek’s Charges
Further, the DCI said Belek was charged with conspiracy to defraud, being in possession of forged bank notes and possessing police uniforms.
However, he pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution objected to his request to be released on bond.
Additionally, the Commission said the determination will be made on Nov 21.
“Meanwhile, Isaiah Aluodo remains in police custody being processed for arraignment Monday. His Mercedes Benz, which is believed to be a proceed of fraud has also been detained,” said DCI.
USD 439 Trillion Scandal
On November 15, DCI announced that it had nabbed eight suspects in a USD 439 trillion mega fraud targeting two foreign businessmen from Netherlands.
In an operation at a warehouse located in Nairobi, several boxes stashed with fake US dollars, suspected stolen jungle fatigues of APS officers, military boots, customs reflector jackets among other recoveries were seized.
Furthermore , DCI explained that the foreigners were contacted through a WhatsApp call by a number registered in the name ‘Canopy Shield Agencies’ in the orchestrated fraudulent scheme.
Also Read: DCI Insists, No Error in $439 Trillion Nairobi Fraud Case
The caller informed Netherlands citizens that their consignment of 40 pallets had been held at the Kenya Customs Warehouse pending duty fee payment of USD 36,000.
“Allegedly, the complainants had entered into a cash on transit deal involving USD 439 trillion destined for Dubai from the Central Bank of Togo.
The caller who posed as a customs officer convinced the complainants that the first batch of 40 pallets contained USD 4 billion and that they were being flown through Kenya to facilitate their clearance and smooth entry to Dubai,” said DCI.
Also Read: DCI Expose How Suspects Rob Foreigners Millions in Runda
Foreigners Arrival & Arrests
Consequently, the foreign nationals booked a flight to Kenya and landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) hoping to clear the required duty fee at once.
Thereafter, a contact person led the foreigners at the warehouse where the purported consignment was being held without the fraudsters knowing that DCI were aware of their moves.
As the eight suspects got busy around the warehouse convincing their targets to part with the USD 36,000, the operations team stormed the premises.
“Moses Otieno, Peter Aura, Brian Waweru, John Kalombo, Peter Kisanya, Noah Ouma, Charity Njeri and Mercy Cheptoo were all cornered and led away into police cells,” said DCI.
In addition, the Commission pledged to continue with investigations on the case.
Also, DCI mentioned that the two foreign nationals were also being interviewed to help with the investigations.
