EACC Acknowledges the Existence of Fake Detectives

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has sounded the alarm over the growing menace of con artists impersonating commission detectives, who have been defrauding Kenyans across the nation. In a startling disclosure, the commission stated that the year 2024 has seen a worrying spike in such cases, with over 300 incidents already documented where individuals fell victim to these frauds. Eric Ngumbi, speaking on behalf of the EACC during a media briefing in Diani, Kwale County, spotlighted the sophisticated schemes these charlatans employ to cheat their targets.

Ngumbi detailed that these impostors have cast a wide net over various groups, utilizing four primary deceitful strategies. In certain counties like Kakamega, Bungoma, and Busia, they’ve gone to the extent of setting up counterfeit EACC offices and luring people with fake services. He shed light on an instance involving a bogus agency named the Anti-Corruption Investigations Agency in Busia, which has been illicitly collecting funds from the public, claiming to resolve corruption-related issues, and even imposing unauthorized caveats on land.

Additionally, these swindlers have targeted job seekers, issuing fraudulent EACC Integrity Clearance certificates in exchange for money—a service that is ordinarily offered free by the Commission. Other fraudulent activities include conducting fake investigations, making unlawful arrests, and soliciting hefty bribes with promises to sway the outcome of investigations or nullify potential charges.

Ngumbi emphasized, “Others invade people’s business premises, claiming that they are inspecting compliance with various licensing requirements or counterfeit goods,” highlighting the audacity of these impersonators to demand bribes for overlooking alleged offenses. This scourge has predominantly preyed on national and county government officials, school principals, administration officers, and private entrepreneurs, capitalizing on their vulnerabilities to defraud large sums of money.

Particularly, the EACC noted school principals and county revenue officials as frequent targets, suffering allegations of illegal fee collection, improper procurement practices, or financial mismanagement. To combat this, the EACC is urging the Kenyan public to remain on high alert and report any incidents of individuals falsely identifying as EACC officers. Highlighting a worrying trend, Ngumbi remarked on the ease with which some Kenyans resort to bribing to evade perceived complications, often without verifying the authenticity of these so-called investigators.