Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Abraham Kimeli, a suspected fraudster accused of orchestrating an elaborate job scam by impersonating a senior government aide.
According to the DCI, Kimeli posed as the personal assistant to the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, and used the TikTok handle “City Tycoon” to lure unsuspecting victims.
“The suspect convinced a Kenyan woman working in Lebanon that he could secure her a permanent job back home in Kenya,” the DCI said in a statement. “He crafted a fake narrative, complete with a forged document purportedly from the Public Service Commission, to gain her trust.”
The woman, who had connected with Kimeli in February 2024 while exploring options to avoid renewing her contract in Lebanon, was duped into sending “facilitation fees.” Investigators revealed that the victim’s employer helped transfer the money amounting to KSh 130,000 through Western Union, believing it was part of the official recruitment process.
The promised job never materialised, leaving the woman stranded and defrauded.
“Through diligent forensic investigation, our detectives traced the suspect and apprehended him. He is currently in custody awaiting arraignment,” the DCI confirmed.
Kimeli now faces charges including obtaining money by false pretences, impersonation, and forgery.
The DCI has since urged Kenyans to be extra cautious about online job offers, especially those circulating on social media platforms.
“We caution the public against falling prey to fraudsters posing as government officials. Always verify opportunities directly with official agencies and report suspected scams to the nearest police station or DCI office,” the statement added.
