EACC raises alarm over increase in number of imposters

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Communication Deputy Director Erick Ngumbi. [Silas Otieno,Standard]

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns over the increasing number of fraudsters posing as its detectives.

Speaking to the media in Diani Kwale County on Monday, the Commission's Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi revealed that the commission had encountered over 300 cases of fake detectives this year.

The fake detectives pretending to be EACC officers or other law enforcement officers on duty are conning unsuspecting members of the public and pretending to be carrying investigations against them.

"The Commission is surprised at the high level of readiness with which most Kenyans are willing to bribe their way out of perceived trouble. Even in cases where victims of these fraudsters can easily contact EACC to verify the authenticity of persons claiming to be its officers, the emerging pattern shows that most victims are quick to initiate settlement with the imposters leading to extortion of huge sums of money.," said Ngumbi.

According to observation by EACC, the imposters have invented different strategies used in different Counties.

For instance, in the western part of the country including Kakamega, Bungoma, and Busia counties, the fake detectives have established fake offices offering services.

"In Busia, an entity by the name Anti-Corruption Investigations Agency has allegedly been receiving money from the public to address corruption-related conflicts and even puts a caveat on land," added Ngumbi.

The fake detectives also issue fake integrity clearance for candidates seeking employment at a fee.

Another method used is the fraudsters carry out investigations, arrests, and search operations on their targets then demand huge bribes promising to skew the investigations in their favor.

The commission also discovered that some invade people's business premises claiming that they are inspecting compliance with various licensing requirements or counterfeit goods.

Ngumbi said that the imposters have mainly been targeting different categories of public servants and private business operators, with many having lost millions of shillings.

The commission discovered that for school principals, the imposters focus on allegations of illegal fee charges, procurement, and financial management issues.

While targeting county officials working in revenue collection and the National Government Administration officers, the fraudsters focus on alleged corruption cases.

Members of the public who encounter such suspicious persons are advised to notify EACC and avoid succumbing to the fraudulent traps.