A multi-agency security team on Tuesday evening arrested several people during a three-hour raid of a printing firm based at Ndaragwa House along Mfangano Street, Nairobi, that was dealing in the production of fake documents.
The suspects had been trailed by undercover detectives who had even paid Sh20,000 to get an Upper Second Class Honours degree in criminology from Kenyatta University and a diploma in clinical medicine from the same institution.
Nairobi County Police Commandant Japheth Koome stated that the business was dealing in all important documents a person needed in life including title deeds, academic certificates, police clearance, birth certificates, stickers for traffic compliance such as speed governors, fake police training admission letter, fake parking licenses and Nairobi City County single business permits among others.
Koome said that the illegal business was associated with well connected cartels who were targeting citizens aiming 'to easily elevate their status', hence denying people who have acquired their certificates genuinely a fair chance.
The police boss also added that the production of the fake documents posed a threat to security and gave an example of an Al Shabaab member acquiring a birth certificate which was going for less than Sh30,000. He further said that people with criminal records could easily get a police clearance certificate.
Speaking to Capital News, Koome affirmed that the police would not allow such businesses to thrive and that those arrested would be prosecuted.
“This is the kind of crime we are out to fight at whatever cost. We cannot allow this to happen.” Koome declared.
