Mombasa Detectives Hunt Vehicle Import Fraudster Who Conned Victims of Millions

MOMBASA, KENYA — Law enforcement officers in Mombasa County have launched an intensive manhunt for a suspected serial fraudster accused of swindling numerous Kenyans out of millions of shillings through a sophisticated vehicle importation scheme.

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The suspect, whose operations have affected residents across multiple counties including Mombasa, Nairobi, Athi River, and Thika, allegedly defrauded at least six individuals in December alone, according to criminal investigation authorities.

Investigators report that the accused presents himself as a legitimate vehicle importer with connections in Japan, promising customers below-market prices and timely delivery of automobiles after full payment. However, none of the transactions result in actual vehicle deliveries.

“This individual operates as a habitual con artist without any physical premises or legitimate business infrastructure. He maintains overseas contacts and a bank account which he uses to create an illusion of legitimacy,” explained Mike Muia, Detective with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Mombasa.

Muia emphasized that the fraudster’s modus operandi relies on enticing potential buyers with promises of significantly reduced prices compared to established importers. “The reality is that victims are simply being robbed of their money. Not a single complainant has ever received a vehicle from this individual,” he added.

Among the most significant cases under investigation involves a Catholic parish that reportedly lost substantial funds in the scheme. In April, Changi Catholic Church in Mombasa entered into an agreement with the suspect to purchase a Toyota double-cabin pickup truck for church operations.

Following assurances of a 60-day delivery timeline, church officials transferred Ksh2.7 million to the accused’s bank account on April 17. When the promised delivery date passed without the vehicle’s arrival, the suspect allegedly requested an additional Ksh200,000 for documentation processing, followed by another Ksh300,000, bringing the church’s total losses to approximately Ksh3.2 million.

“June came and went. When inquiries were made about shipping documents, we were told to be patient,” a church representative recounted. “He repeatedly assured us the vehicle would arrive within a month, convincing us to send additional funds.”

Six months after the initial transaction, the vehicle remains undelivered, and the suspect has ceased all communication with the church, ignoring phone calls and messages. The parish subsequently filed a formal complaint with law enforcement.

This case forms part of a disturbing pattern of vehicle import fraud affecting Kenyan consumers. Earlier this year, authorities charged a prominent businessman with defrauding multiple clients of millions of shillings after failing to deliver luxury vehicles including BMW, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Subaru Outback models that had been paid for in full.

In a separate May incident, Kenneth Njiru Njagi faced prosecution for allegedly defrauding a customer of Ksh9.9 million in a luxury automobile transaction that never materialized.

The Criminal Investigations Department has issued a public advisory urging Kenyans to exercise heightened vigilance during the festive season, noting a significant uptick in fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting consumers.

Authorities recommend that potential vehicle buyers conduct thorough background checks on importers, verify business registration details, visit physical premises before making payments, and utilize secure payment methods that offer consumer protection.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts has been urged to contact the nearest police station or the DCI offices in Mombasa.