NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28 – Two suspects have been charged with swindling a Chinese of Sh6.5 million in a cryptocurrency scam.
They however pleaded not guilty to the offence with one of them Benson Macharia being released on a Sh1 million bail, with a surety of similar amount.
The other suspect Robinson Nyandoro was detained at the industrial area prison pending determination of bond terms on March 4.
According to the investigative agency, the duo were masquerading as cryptocurrency exchange experts, claiming that they were able to facilitate an exchange.
The DCI stated that while converting the cash into cryptocurrency, Nyandoro made a dramatic exit with the money in a carrier bag, slipping through a back door.
“Left behind, the bewildered victim was still in the grip of Macharia, who posed as a trustworthy technician. With an air of confidence, Macharia reassured the victim that everything was on track, claiming the transfer was successful and merely delayed due to pesky network issues. But as minutes turned into hours, the victim’s unease grew into full-blown panic,” it stated.
It pointed out that when the victim realized that he had been he had been duped, he rushed to Kileleshwa Police Station to report the crime.
“Upon receiving the report, detectives sprang into action, determined to bring the culprits to book.”
While going through forensic leads, the first suspect, Macharia, was arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera.
The second suspect who was arrested led detectives to his residence in KMA Estate, Lang’ata, where upon search Sh500,000 believed to be part of the stolen cash was recovered.
“Nyandoro was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate’s Court Kibera where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He will be detained at industrial area prison pending determination of bond terms on March 4, 2025,” the DCI stated.
