Con Artist Arraigned Over Sh5 Million Food Supply Scam
He allegedly posed as a legitimate supplier and promised to deliver 6,000 bags of 25 kg rice and 250 bags of 50 kg sugar.
Man arraigned at Milimani Law Courts over Sh5 million fake food supply scam. Photo/DCI.
By Robert Assad
A man accused of defrauding a businesswoman of over Sh5 million in a fake food supply deal has been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
Samuel Karuga Wachiuri, described by authorities as a notorious con artist, was arrested by detectives from the Nairobi Regional Office after a months-long investigation. He allegedly posed as a legitimate supplier and promised to deliver 6,000 bags of 25 kg rice and 250 bags of 50 kg sugar.
According to police reports, Karuga convinced the victim that he could fulfill the bulk order and received a payment of Sh5,912,600. However, after the money was deposited into his bank account, Karuga vanished and switched off his phone, leaving the businesswoman without the promised goods or any way to contact him.
Following an intensive investigation that included forensic tracking, detectives arrested Karuga at the Isebania border as he attempted to cross into Tanzania.
Karuga appeared before Magistrate Caroline Nyaguthi on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. The court granted him a cash bail of Sh200,000, pending further proceedings.
The pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for June 19, 2025.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant when engaging in large financial transactions, especially with unfamiliar suppliers. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) emphasized that cases of commercial fraud are on the rise, with con artists using increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Karuga’s arrest and arraignment mark a significant step in the fight against white-collar crime in Kenya, as investigators continue to pursue justice for victims of fraud.
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