If you thought ‘Fake Uhuru’ was the end of high-profiled impersonators, then you are wrong.
Detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched investigation to nab a notorious syndicate using a fake identity of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma to con Kenyans.
The detectives under Cyber Crime department undertook forensic analyses on Tuesday to establish the nature of electronic gadgets used to contact victims of the scam and the location of the impersonators.
The CS had complained to DCI boss George Kinoti of criminals impersonating her and using her name and photo to solicit money from her social circles.
“Our attention has been drawn to social media accounts that are impersonating the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monica Juma. These accounts are being used to solicit money from unsuspicious individuals. Kindly note that the CS has one Twitter account (@Diplomacy_Kenya) only and has no Facebook account,” Juma’s office wrote.
1/2: Our attention has been drawn to a number of social media accounts that are impersonating the CS MFA (Amb Monica Juma-@Diplomacy_Kenya). Unfortunately, these accounts are being used to solicit money from unsuspicious individuals.
— ForeignAffairsKenya (@ForeignOfficeKE) May 20, 2019
2/2: Kindly note that The CS has one twitter account (@Diplomacy_Kenya) ONLY and NO Facebook account.
We therefore urge anyone with information on those operating the account below or any other account to share with us or investigating agencies for action. pic.twitter.com/XU75sECz0T
— ForeignAffairsKenya (@ForeignOfficeKE) May 20, 2019
Kinoti urged persons who have been contacted by the criminals to volunteer information to his office. “Detectives from the Cyber Crime Unit have commenced investigations to ensure the perpetrators are dealt with according to the law,” he said.
We urge anyone who has been defrauded through this manner to report to us through our email:director@cid.go.ke or DM us. Detectives from the Cyber Crime Unit have already commenced investigations into this matter with the aim of bringing all those involved to justice. https://t.co/XGOAi9pS1e
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) May 20, 2019
Cases of cyber bullying and criminals impersonating public servants have been on the rise.
In February, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly impersonating President Uhuru Kenyatta and fraudulently acquired sh 10 million from a Nairobi tycoon.
The suspects are accused of calling the chairman of Sameer Africa Naushad Merali and asking for Ksh 10 million using mobile number 0722208842 in the name of the president.
The seven, Joseph Waswa, Duncan Muchai, Isaac Wajekeche, William Simiyu, David Luganya, Gilbert Kirunja and Anthony Wafula, were later released on a Ksh 100,000 bond.