The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a widespread manhunt for Timothy Njeru Wanjuki, the director and sole shareholder of East Africa Motors Limited, in connection with a multi-million shilling car import fraud scheme.
The elaborate scam allegedly targeted foreign nationals, including United Nations (UN) staff based in Nairobi, who collectively lost tens of thousands of US dollars for vehicles that were either never delivered or arrived with significant delays and unexpected additional costs.
Investigators revealed that Wanjuki is accused of obtaining money by false pretenses, luring clients with promises of importing vehicles, primarily from Japan. Victims reportedly transferred substantial sums directly into accounts controlled by Wanjuki.
“Evidence shows that victims paid substantial sums, totalling tens of thousands of US dollars, directly into accounts controlled by the suspect,” stated the DCI. In many cases, payments to overseas suppliers were incomplete, leading to unforeseen charges like storage fees and other financial losses for clients, with some receiving no vehicles at all.
The DCI’s probe uncovered that East Africa Motors Limited had quietly closed its physical offices and shifted operations online before authorities intervened. Subsequently, the company’s website was taken down, and its registration has since been cancelled to prevent further fraudulent activities.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Wanjuki or East Africa Motors Limited to come forward.
“Anyone with a pending complaint, unresolved case, or relevant information related to this suspect is urged to report immediately to the DCI’s Serious Crime Unit,” the DCI statement emphasized.
The public is also cautioned against engaging in any business transactions with Wanjuki or his associated entities.
