Mr Mangala’s case, the latest in a string of arrests in recent weeks, involves fake tenders believed to have been issued by suspected well-connected fraudsters inside some of the most guarded locations: State House, the Office of the Deputy President and the Department of Defence.
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How the suspected fraudsters gained access to these facilities, occupied offices for some time, impersonated officials, lured their victims and had items worth millions of shillings delivered to them, remains the subject of investigation and court cases. Several insiders are thought to be part of the cartel.
A review by the Sunday Nation of investigation reports, court filings and interviews with victims reveals a group with suspected links to the rogue staff at State House and the Deputy President’s office at Harambee House Annexe.
Their preferred method, according to police investigations, is luring wealthy business people with fake “restricted” tenders complete with documents to supply equipment — mostly laptops — worth millions of shillings.
According to statements recorded by the police, the meetings are typically held inside these government offices to gain the confidence of those being targeted and give legitimacy to the fake transactions.
More than 10 people have so far filed separate complaints with the police after losing millions in fake tenders.
Some of those suspected to be behind the racket have been arrested and arraigned in court where they are facing charges of forgery and obtaining money by false pretense, while some cases are still being investigated.
The criminals, who victims say masquerade as senior security officers and State House employees, also forge job identification cards, local purchase orders (LPO) and delivery notes, complete with letterheads and stamps.