The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoti has warned public officials to be careful when taking pictures with young flashy individuals.
According to investigations by the DCI, these youth belong to a syndicate of cons who wield power, wealth and influence. They allegedly operate from high-end estates and drive big cars.
They take photos with senior government officials and splash them on their social media pages to convince would-be victims that they enjoy close relationships with the officials.
“We have advised public figures to be wary of individuals they take pictures with. Kenya is almost becoming a stage of play for con men, who in most cases are young men, leading flashy lifestyles,’’ Kinoti stated.
Investigators believe that the con men are ingenious at their game and patience is one of their best virtues and weapon.
“They carefully map out activities, pick and lure victims before making a kill,” an investigator disclosed to a local publication.
Last week, investigators arrested 15 suspects in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, who are said to be part of the ring that conned a member of the Dubai royal family of more than Ksh400 million with the promise of delivering gold.
Flamboyant politician cum businessman Zaheer Jhanda, who is reportedly at the center of the Gold scam, is seen in an undated photo greeting President Uhuru Kenyatta as he disembarks from a military chopper.
He is also seen in a number of pictures with ODM leader Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Early this year, Uhuru’s name was also used to con Sameer Africa chair Naushad Merali of Ksh80 million. The suspects are said to have mimicked the president’s voice and allegedly effortlessly walked away with the money.
During the last military recruitment, a man posing as an aide of Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo swindled Kenyan job seekers more than Ksh6 million with a promise of slots in the military that never materialised.
