In 2015, Jared Otieno made headlines for his lavish spending, including a high-profile dowry payment in Meru and a wedding at Windsor.
However, according to an investigation by Nation, Otieno has been accused of being an international conman, allegedly defrauding foreigners of millions of dollars.
Case of Christian Gallati ¶
An Australian national, Christian Gallati, was defrauded of €127,000 (Sh13.7 million) by Otieno, who used the alias Smith Mackenzie Otieno, in 2015.
Otieno's accomplice, Kevin Obia, alias Kevin Kleigh, was also involved in the fraud and is facing charges related to the case.
Case of Simon Aldofo Franco Ortega ¶
A Venezuelan man, Simon Aldofo Franco Ortega, claims to have been conned by Otieno (alias Mackenzie) out of $1.7 million (Sh170 million) in a scam involving the sale of land in Venezuela.
Ortega says he was promised that a member of a UAE royal family was interested in buying his land, but the deal turned out to be a elaborate con.
Ortega made 29 electronic funds transfers to Otieno and his accomplices, ranging from Sh1 million to Sh21 million each.
He was shown fake documents from law firms and government agencies to convince him that the deal was legitimate.
Modus Operandi ¶
Otieno and his accomplices allegedly promise to sell gold at discounted prices to foreigners, but fail to deliver after receiving payment.
In some cases, they ship worthless gold-colored pieces of scrap to buyers who have paid millions.
The number of foreigners defrauded by Kenyans is increasing, with senior police officers allegedly providing protection to the scammers.
