Chinese investors defrauded in Ksh.30M meat export scam

A business deal that began with trust and high expectations has turned into a nightmare for two Chinese investors who were allegedly defrauded by a Kenyan businesswoman.

The investors had partnered with her to export meat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but claim she faked crucial documents, pocketed their money, and vanished without a trace.

Speaking to the press in Nairobi, Vivian Gui and her business partner Hao Hua Wu detailed how their relationship with the businesswoman began in August 2024. They agreed to offer her a 40 percent stake in the business, allowing them to source goats from Neema Slaughterhouse for export. However, after paying her $216,226 (approximately Ksh 30 million), she disappeared and has been avoiding all contact.

“We came to Kenya to invest in the meat export business, which was supposed to be a joint venture. But after paying her, she disappeared and has been avoiding meeting Chinese investors, leaving us waiting endlessly,” said Vivian Gui.

Recounting the ordeal after meeting with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Vivian expressed disbelief at how they had been deceived. Her business partner, Hao Hua Wu, emphasized that the extent of the forgery was beyond anything they had imagined.

The case was reported at Lucky Summer Police Station in mid-January 2025.

The investors had transferred six payments for the purchase of livestock and operational expenses, but as time passed, discrepancies emerged. The promised shipments never materialized, and their Kenyan partner became elusive.

As suspicions grew, the investors sought clarification from Neema Livestock and Slaughtering Investments Limited. The company later confirmed that the businesswoman had no legitimate association with them and that the documents she presented were forged.

On January 21, 2025, Hajj Bonaya Bakata, the Managing Director of Neema Livestock, wrote to the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit under the Central Bank of Kenya, requesting a thorough investigation into the fraudulent activities.

According to the official complaint, the fraud was orchestrated using falsified company logos, signatures, and contracts, misrepresenting Neema Livestock’s involvement. The report stated that the last time the businesswoman contracted slaughter services from Neema Livestock was in February 2022, meaning her claims of an active partnership were fabricated.

Neema Livestock also filed a separate complaint for defamation, stating that the misrepresentation had tarnished its reputation and caused confusion in the industry.

Law enforcement officials have launched a manhunt for the suspect, whose current whereabouts remain unknown. Investigators are also looking into whether she acted alone or had accomplices.