Detectives in Mombasa are pursuing a man accused of defrauding Kenyans of millions in a vehicle import scheme from Japan. He poses as an importer offering cars at lower prices and on time, but no vehicles are ever delivered. At least six people were reportedly scammed in December alone.
Detectives in Mombasa are pursuing a man who has defrauded Kenyans of millions through a vehicle import racket targeting buyers from Mombasa, Nairobi, Athi River, Thika, and other areas. The suspect poses as an importer sourcing cars from Japan at reduced prices with timely delivery, but victims never receive their vehicles. At least six complaints were filed in December alone.
Mike Muia, a Mombasa DCI detective, described the suspect as a serial fraudster without his own yard, relying on an account and Japanese contacts. "This person has been a serial fraudster, and in fact, he doesn't own a yard; he just has an account and friends from Japan, where he can import the vehicles at a lower price. Members of the public have been duped by being told that they will get the vehicles at a lower price," Muia stated. He added, "The fact about the issue is they are being defrauded out of their money. None of the complainants has ever received a vehicle from the fraudster."
The most recent case involved a Catholic church in Mombasa. In early April 2025, the church agreed to buy a Toyota double cabin, transferring Ksh2.7 million to the suspect's account on April 17. Assured of delivery within 60 days, they waited. By June, delays prompted requests for documents, leading to an additional Ksh200,000 payment. Later, another Ksh300,000 was sent, totaling Ksh3.2 million. Six months on, no vehicle arrived, and the suspect became unreachable.
Earlier this year, a prominent businessman was charged with defrauding clients of millions for undelivered vehicles including BMWs, VW Tiguans, and Subaru Outbacks. In May 2025, Kenneth Njiru Njagi faced charges for scamming a client of Ksh9.9 million for a luxury car. Police have warned the public to be cautious during the festive season as fraud cases rise.
