Jared Kiasa Otieno, a man who made headlines for hosting a lavish wedding in 2015, has been linked to a Kenyan-based international ring of fraudsters, according to an investigation by the Sunday Nation.
Mr. Otieno, often referred to as a "flashy businessman" or "youthful tycoon," first gained attention when he hosted his in-laws at his rural home in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, before leading a delegation to Meru County for dowry payment. The wedding itself was an invite-only event in Nairobi, featuring helicopters, top-of-the-range vehicles, and notable guests, including politicians and corporate executives.
Evidence of Fraud ¶
However, amidst the glamour, police in Nairobi were investigating a case in which an Austrian national, Christian Gallati, was defrauded of €127,000 (Sh13.7 million) on May 1, 2015. The suspect, listed as "at large," was identified as Smith Mackenzie Otieno, who is allegedly the same person as Jared Kiasa Otieno.
Another individual, Kevin Obia, also known as the "Don," was facing charges of pretending to sell 7kg of gold to Mr. Gallati. Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Obia attempted to obtain $570,000 (Sh57 million) from Mr. Gallati, promising him 13kg of gold.
International Connections ¶
A Venezuelan lawyer, Simon Aldofo Franco Ortega, reported losing Sh170 million to Nairobi-based fraudsters. He claimed that he was conned by a sophisticated international criminal ring with connections in Kenya, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr. Ortega alleged that he was instructed to send money to various bank accounts in Dubai, totaling $1.7 million (Sh170 million), to facilitate the sale of his land in Venezuela. However, he realized he had been scammed when he arrived in Kenya to complete the transaction.
Response from Authorities ¶
National Police spokesman George Kinoti stated that any allegation reported to the police is investigated, and if criminal ingredients are established, the matter will be presented in court in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
