A 27-year-old man was on Thursday charged at the Milimani Law Courts for allegedly defrauding a businesswoman of more than KSh 5.9 million in a fake food supply deal.
Samuel Karuga Wachiuri is accused of impersonating a legitimate foodstuffs supplier and luring the victim into a fraudulent agreement to deliver 6,000 bags of 25kg rice and 250 bags of 50kg sugar. Convinced by Karuga’s claims, the businesswoman wired KSh 5,912,600 to his bank account.
However, after receiving the money, Karuga allegedly switched off his phone and disappeared, triggering an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Detectives say the suspect attempted to flee the country but was arrested at the Isebania border while trying to cross into Tanzania.
“Upon receiving the funds and having completed his deceitful scheme, Karuga switched off his phone and disappeared without a trace. Investigations were initiated, and through forensic leads, detectives zeroed in on Karuga, ultimately apprehending him at the Isebania border,” a statement from the DCI Nairobi Regional Headquarters read.
Karuga was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Caroline Nyaguthii, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on a KSh 200,000 bond, and the case was scheduled for pre-trial on June 19, 2025.
Authorities have urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging in large commercial transactions, particularly with unverified suppliers.
Written By Rodney Mbua
