The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the misappropriation of Ksh.15.6 million from Goshens Real Estate, located in Ruaka.
The accused, identified as Judy Muringe Mugo, aged 41, and Catherine Waithera Ruiru, aged 26, are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to face charges related to the alleged fraud.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed in a statement on Tuesday that Mugo, who served as the Marketing Officer at the company, purportedly orchestrated the fraudulent scheme with assistance from Ruiru, who worked as the company’s receptionist.
The modus operandi reportedly involved Mugo misleading tenants to divert payments from the company’s official channels to personal accounts under her control, utilizing the company’s office line, which she managed with Ruiru’s support.
Mugo allegedly exploited her position to instruct tenants to disregard the company’s designated payment methods, instead redirecting funds to her personal phone numbers. Subsequently, she purportedly transferred the ill-gotten gains to her accounts at Family Bank, while Ruiru manipulated the company’s records to conceal the discrepancies.
The fraudulent activities transpired over an 18-month period between 2022 and 2024. Despite earning a modest monthly salary of Ksh.30,000, Mugo reportedly acquired substantial assets, including a vehicle, through the illicit scheme. Detectives seized evidence, including transaction records and electronic devices, as part of their investigation.
Furthermore, the DCI uncovered additional evidence implicating Ruiru in the manipulation of financial records and the issuance of counterfeit receipts to tenants. The investigation also revealed the suspects’ attempt to flee the country, prompting authorities to expedite legal proceedings and secure their assets to prevent further financial malfeasance.
The accused individuals are facing charges of embezzlement, conspiracy to defraud, and computer fraud, reflecting the severity of their alleged offenses. The case underscores the importance of robust internal controls and oversight mechanisms within organizations to mitigate the risk of financial fraud and misconduct.
