The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a stark warning to Kenyans over an organized criminal network exploiting landowners through forged documents. The syndicate primarily targets those in high-end homes and landowners entering joint ventures with developers, raising alarm over the rising cases of fraudulent activities in the property sector.
In its statement, the DCI highlighted that the scheme often begins when developers approach individuals with underdeveloped parcels of land, proposing lucrative partnerships. “More often than not, the agreement will require the landowner to obtain certificates of lease, which has become the soft spot for fraudsters,” the DCI stated.
A recent case involved a landowner from Pumwani, Nairobi, who narrowly escaped losing two parcels of land. While the victim avoided total loss thanks to a vigilant developer and a thorough legal advocate, they were defrauded of KES 553,550 by scammers impersonating Nairobi County Lands Registry staff.
The investigation revealed that one of the suspects promised to expedite the issuance of lease certificates but instead provided forged documents and pocketed the money. The suspect has since been arrested and charged, though the wider syndicate remains under investigation.
The DCI has further linked this criminal network to individuals implicated in gold scamming, underlining their diverse fraudulent operations. A manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspects, and detectives have cautioned landowners to conduct due diligence when dealing with land-related transactions.
The police emphasized that property disputes often lead to irreversible losses, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant. “Land matters are often sensitive and can have devastating consequences if handled carelessly,” the statement read.
