Four people have been arrested after detectives uncovered a fake National Intelligence Service (NIS) recruitment scheme that allegedly tricked a job seeker into paying Sh600,000 for a non-existent position.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said detectives from DCI Central in Nairobi brought down the suspected fraud network after a victim reported being conned by individuals who claimed they could influence recruitment into the country's intelligence service.
According to investigators, the victim was convinced to part with Sh600,000 after the suspects promised to secure her employment at the NIS. To make the offer appear genuine, the group allegedly issued her with forged recruitment documents.
"To make the scheme appear legitimate, the suspects allegedly issued her with a fake NIS calling letter purporting that she had been successfully recruited," the DCI said.
The complaint triggered investigations and intelligence-led operations that led detectives to four suspects identified as Patrick Kibor, Moses Tarus Kibor, Humphrey Ngeiywo Kutuli and Abraham Kimeli.
During the operation, detectives recovered several documents believed to have been used in carrying out the alleged scam.
"Upon arrest, detectives recovered several documents believed to be linked to the fraudulent scheme. The documents are undergoing forensic examination to establish their authenticity and determine the full extent of the syndicate's operations," the DCI said.
The four suspects remain in police custody as they undergo processing before being presented in court.
The DCI has cautioned Kenyans against paying money to anyone claiming they can secure employment in government institutions, saying recruitment into public agencies follows official procedures and does not involve any payments.
"Members of the public are reminded that recruitment into government agencies follows established procedures and does not require payment at any stage. Anyone asked to part with money in exchange for employment should treat it as a scam and report the matter immediately," the agency said.
The DCI also appealed to anyone who has fallen victim to similar employment scams or has information that could assist investigations to report the matter through its toll-free hotline or anonymous WhatsApp reporting platform.