Indian national, Kenyan arrested in Ksh.1.1M fake vehicle importation scam

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives in Kilimani have arrested two suspects accused of defrauding a Kenyan out of Ksh.1.1 million in a fake vehicle importation deal. 

The scam, which detectives say dates back to May 27, 2022, involved one of the suspects, Yunus Hamza Hussein, an Indian national, allegedly posing as a salesperson at Rana Motors along Ngong Road. 

Hussein reportedly duped the victim into paying Ksh.1.1 million as a deposit for purchasing two vehicles—a Toyota Probox Extra and a 14-seater Toyota Hiace 7L—valued at Ksh.2.9 million. 

After receiving the payment, Hussein disappeared without delivering the vehicles. 

“Yunus Hamza Hussein, masquerading as a savvy salesperson at Rana Motors along Ngong Road, duped an unsuspecting victim with promises of delivering two vehicles, a Probox Extra and a 14-seater Toyota Hiace 7L for Sh2.9 million,” said the DCI in a statement on X. 

“Enticed by the charade, the victim paid a hefty deposit of Ksh.1.1 million, only to watch the fraudster vanish into thin air.” 

Detectives were, however, able to track down Hussein, who subsequently led them to his accomplice, Brian Omweri. 

"Thanks to forensic intelligence, detectives trailed Hussein to his hideout at Crystal Apartments in Athi River, where several SIM cards were seized," said the DCI. 

"Hussein further led detectives to his accomplice Brian Omweri in Makongeni, Thika where they recovered a SIM card linked to a Ksh.550,000 payment from the victim." 

The duo remain in custody pending arraignment next week where they are expected to face fraud-related charges.