The Director of Public Prosecution, Noordin Haji, has moved to court seeking powers to extradite a wanted Kenyan to the United States over claims of Ksh128 million money laundering case.
The Kenyan fugitive is alleged to be part of a well-connected international ring that conspires to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft that was majorly targeting unsuspecting entrepreneurs in need of quick loans.
The DPP, represented by prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki, asked the court to allow him to extradite the wanted Kenyan to face charges as requested by the US Department of Justice.
“We are signifying the court that a requisition for the businessman's extradition and surrender has been made and requires the court to issue a warrant for apprehension and extradition of the fugitive who is accused in the United States District Court for the Central District of California,” the DPP stated in his court documents.
The court documents describe the wanted Kenyan as part of an international syndicate that has networks in the US and Nigeria among other countries.
In the US where he is wanted, 61 counts of money laundering have been filed against him. Others include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
One of the victims of the scheme told the court in the US that the Kenyan had hoodwinked him that he could offer him loans together with his accomplices.
He promised to secure the Qatar-based businessman a loan amounting to Ksh1.6 billion after which he was allegedly paid Ksh35.5 million before going missing and cutting off all the communications links.
DPP wants to collaborate with the US to ensure that justice is served to the victims who have filed cases in the US.
The case comes a month after Supreme Court okayed the extradition of former Energy Minister, Chris Okemo, and former Kenya Power boss, Samuel Gichuru.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, November 5, Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome and Justices Mohammed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndungu and William Ouko ordered the government to extradite the two to Jersey Island where they are to face theft and money laundering charges.
“The appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions dated August 10, is hereby allowed. The judgment of the Court of Appeal is hereby overturned,” the five-Judge bench ruled.
