Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested five individuals, including foreign national Nick Van Opstal, at the KCB Sports Club grounds on Saturday morning.
The suspects—Samuel Marigi, Patrick Wangai, Susan Oluoch, and Christine Muthoni Wangechi—were allegedly planning to scam thousands of job seekers through their dubious recruitment agencies, Alhanawa Jobs and Supply Link Ventures Ltd.
The DCI, acting on a tip-off, raided the meeting venue and intervened just in time to prevent the scam from unfolding. Approximately 1,000 job seekers were present, being briefed on supposed job opportunities abroad, when the arrests were made. The National Employment Authority had previously flagged the activities of these agencies as scams.
In a statement ,the DCI confirmed the operation, highlighting that the timely intervention saved the job seekers from falling victim to the fraudulent scheme. Despite the successful arrests, three other individuals linked to the racket—Hannah Mbugua, Gladys Oluasa, and Lucy Wanjiru—managed to escape and are currently being sought by authorities.
The DCI is urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the escaped suspects to come forward as the investigation continues. This incident serves as a stark reminder for job seekers to verify the legitimacy of employment agencies to avoid falling prey to scams.
