Suspect arrested over Ksh.15M overseas jobs scam after two years on the run

A recruitment agency director accused of defrauding 29 Kenyans of approximately Ksh.15 million in a fake overseas employment scheme has been arrested and charged in court after nearly two years on the run.

The DCI alleges that Barmasai used the agency to lure job seekers with promises of lucrative employment opportunities in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, collecting money from them as recruitment and processing fees.

"Through his agency, he allegedly lured job seekers with promises of lucrative employment opportunities in Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, only for the much-anticipated overseas jobs to turn out to be nothing but a mirage," stated DCI.

Investigations indicate that between 2023 and 2024, victims paid amounts ranging from Ksh.200,000 to Ksh.1 million in anticipation of securing jobs abroad, only for the promised placements not to materialise.

So far, 29 people have recorded statements with detectives, with their reported losses estimated at approximately Ksh.15 million.

Barmasai was arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts on Friday, October 30, where he was charged with obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

The DCI has urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and job offers before paying any fees.