Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended Brian Otiende Anyanga, a suspected mastermind behind a land fraud cartel that has been targeting landowners in Nairobi’s suburbs.
In a statement released on Saturday, December 14, the DCI revealed that the suspect was arrested in Buruburu, Nairobi, where he had been hiding following the arrest of his accomplice, Lawrence Martins Ochieng, two weeks prior.
Fake Lease Certificates and Fraudulent Deals
“Detectives from the Operations Directorate have once again arrested serial fraud suspect Brian Otiende Anyanga, the supposed ringleader of a city cartel that has become the nightmare of landowners and developers around the capital by issuing fake lease certificates while purporting to work at the Nairobi County Lands Registry,” read part of the statement.
Brian’s gang is accused of orchestrating fraudulent activities that nearly cost a victim two prime parcels of land in Pumwani, Nairobi. The victim was issued fake lease documents and lost KSh 553,000 before the fraud was intercepted.
Ongoing Criminal Activities
The DCI disclosed that Anyanga is already facing a separate gold scam case and had been out on bond. He is set to be arraigned in court again on Monday, December 16.
Warning to Landowners
This arrest comes after the DCI issued a public advisory on December 2, cautioning landowners about rising cases of fraud involving fake title deeds. The agency noted that joint ventures between landowners and developers often attract such criminal schemes.
“The criminal enterprise sets in at a time when developers are approaching individuals with underdeveloped parcels of land, where the two parties agree on profitable terms for the development of the land,” the DCI explained.
Investigation into Registry Collusion
As part of the investigation, the DCI has seized several suspicious land documents, which are now being scrutinized to determine whether officials at the Lands Registry conspired with the suspects.
The arrest of Anyanga and the ongoing investigation underscore the DCI’s commitment to protecting property owners and addressing land fraud in the country.
