Four Suspects Arrested in Thika for Stealing BIDCO Goods Worth Over Ksh.3 Million Using Forged LPOs
DCI reports indicate that the group had successfully executed the scheme on two previous occasions, walking away with BIDCO deliveries before detectives closed in on them
By : Mweru Mbugua
Four suspects have been arrested in Thika for allegedly orchestrating a fraud scheme involving forged Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) to steal BIDCO products valued at more than Ksh.3.2 million
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects Haron Mwangi Ndungu, James Nyaga Munyutha, Philip Njenga, and Paul Ngugi have been using counterfeit LPOs bearing the letterhead of Chandaria Ltd to fraudulently obtain goods
DCI reports indicate that the group had successfully executed the scheme on two previous occasions, walking away with BIDCO deliveries before detectives closed in on them
The arrest came after weeks of covert surveillance, culminating in a swift interception by officers from the Operations Actions Team (OAT)
Detectives are said to have received intelligence regarding the suspects’ next targeted delivery, valued at Ksh.1,770,740, prompting the operation
“Detectives caught the suspects red-handed, led by Haron Mwangi Ndungu, who was at the wheel of their getaway vehicle, an Isuzu lorry registration number KDB 249Z,” the DCI said
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Inside the lorry were his three accomplices alongside another forged LPO intended to secure additional goods
The four are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court
Authorities have urged companies to stay vigilant, warning businesses to verify LPOs thoroughly to curb rising incidents of commercial fraud
