In what authorities are calling a classic case of conspiracy and modern-day computer fraud, two women are set to appear in court on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, accused of embezzling more than KES 15.6 million from their employer over a span of 18 months.
The suspects, Judy Muringe Mugo, 41, and Catherine Waithera Ruiru, 26, who respectively held positions as Marketing Officer and Receptionist at Goshens Real Estate in Kiambu’s Ruaka township, are facing multiple charges including stealing by servant, conspiracy to defraud, and computer fraud.
The case, reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kiambaa by the company’s director, Andrew Kirumba, alleges that Judy Mugo orchestrated a scheme where tenants were misled into diverting their rent payments to a personal mobile phone number instead of the company’s designated accounts.
According to Kirumba, Mugo, leveraging her position as the marketing officer, declared the company’s official payment channels as “non-functional” and directed tenants to remit payments through an office line under her control.
DCI investigators revealed that Mugo would then transfer the funds to her personal accounts, using her colleague, Catherine Ruiru, to manipulate the company’s records to conceal the fraudulent activities. The investigation uncovered a complex web of transactions, with Mugo channeling large sums of money to her personal bank accounts and even purchasing a vehicle worth KES 750,000 using ill-gotten funds.
“This was a well-orchestrated scheme aimed at deceiving both the company and its tenants,” stated DCI. “The suspects went to great lengths to cover their tracks, but thorough forensic analysis has allowed us to piece together the evidence.”
Efforts to prevent the disposal of assets allegedly acquired through illegal means led investigators to secure a search warrant for Mugo’s residence, where the purchased vehicle was discovered. Orders have also been obtained to impound the vehicle and confiscate the suspects’ phones and computer equipment for further analysis by the forensic cybercrime unit.
An audit report conducted on the company’s finances confirmed the staggering amount of KES 15,633,147.00 lost as a result of the fraudulent activities. It was further revealed that Ruiru had manipulated figures within the company’s system and collaborated with Mugo to produce fake receipts obtained from a cyber cafe in Ruaka.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the suspects were planning to flee the country, with indications pointing to a possible escape to Canada.
“We believe the suspects were aware of the mounting evidence against them and took steps to evade justice,” remarked DCI.
