The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two suspects who duped the police to take them for an operation masquerading as Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) officials.
In a statement, EACC said its detectives arrested the suspects on October 8, 2024, as they were inspecting goods in shops within Bamburi area.
At the same time, the Commission officials accompanied by uniformed police officers, found out that the suspects were arresting, detaining and extorting shop owners alleging that they were selling expired goods.
“The suspects had reportedly duped the police officers to believe that they were genuine KEBS officers on official duty requiring police escort in a crackdown on expired goods in Mombasa shops,” the EACC statement read in part.
Moreover, the Commission mounted an operation at Kadzandani Mwatamba Police Station where the arrested shop owners were being detained and extorted. The fraudsters were demanding amounts ranging from Ksh.20,000 to Ksh.50,000.
Also Read: Man Arrested for Masquerading as EACC Detective
EACC Detains Suspects
The suspects are designated as Consumer Protection Officers working with an agency named Multi-Works and Rights Enforcement.
Further, the suspects were detained at Mombasa Central Police Station and will be arraigned before the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects have engaged in similar illegal activities in other parts of the country.
The Commission further invited members of the public with any additional information on these suspects or their accomplices in the criminal syndicate to share the same through Toll-Free No. 1515 or through the email address: [email protected].
KEBS on Impersonation
The Kenya Bureau of Standards has issued several alerts before regarding the rise of individuals purporting to be KEBS staff.
These individuals, who frequently target retail environments such as shops, supermarkets, and hardware stores, initially claim to be affiliated with KEBS.
However, when confronted, they often alter their claim, suggesting they are part of a ‘multi-agency’ team.
There have also been reports of these imposters engaging in extortion activities with traders.
Also Raed: Oparanya Clarifies Corruption Case Cited by EACC
KEBS Precaution Measures
In the foregoing, the public is advised to take the following precautions:
- Authenticate KEBS Officers: Always ask for the Staff card and National ID and send an SMS with the format HR#Staff Number to 20023 for instance (HR#0000). You will receive a confirmation message with details including KEBS HR No, staff’s name, position, ID number, and status.
- Contact KEBS: If you encounter suspicious individuals or activities, or need assistance, please reach out to KEBS through the following channels during working hours:
- Toll-Free Line: 1545
- Phone: 0206948000
- Email: [email protected]
KEBS emphasized that vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping them maintain integrity and service quality
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