A Nairobi-based real estate company director has been charged over allegations that 22 people were defrauded of a combined Ksh28 million in a housing scheme.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The suspect appeared before the Makadara Law Courts following investigations by detectives from Starehe Sub-County, facing several counts of obtaining money by false pretences, as well as a money laundering charge.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) warned buyers to verify property ownership, development claims and other details before committing money to housing or land transactions.

“The DCI continues to urge members of the public to exercise due diligence before making financial commitments in property transactions and to promptly report suspected cases of fraud to law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.

📌 What You Need to Know

Investigators alleged that the transactions took place between 2024 and 2026 as part of a scheme targeting members of the public seeking to buy homes.

According to the allegations before court, prospective buyers were offered houses of different designs and sizes presented as part of a real estate project.

Investigators said the representations prompted victims to make payments for the purported homes through a privately registered agency linked to the accused.

The prosecution opposed the suspect’s release on bond, with the court scheduled to deliver a ruling on the application on Thursday.

The case will next come up for mention on October 15 as investigations and legal proceedings continue.

Detectives have called on anyone who may have conducted similar transactions with the accused or the associated agency and believes they were affected to report to the DCI Starehe Sub-County offices.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke