The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an intensified manhunt for Timothy Njeru Wanjuki, the director and sole shareholder of East Africa Motors Limited, over alleged involvement in a multi-million shilling motor vehicle import fraud targeting both local and foreign clients.
The investigators allege that Wanjuki is wanted in connection with several cases of obtaining money by false pretences, an offence charged under the penal code.
Wanjuki is accused of luring victims, among them, foreign nationals and United Nations personnel based in Nairobi, by promising to import motor vehicles from overseas markets, particularly Japan.
In most instances, Wanjuki never delivered the cars while in others, deliveries were partially made only if victims incurred significant additional costs.
According to the DCI, complainants transferred large amounts of money, amounting to tens of thousands of US dollars, directly into bank accounts controlled by the suspect.
Investigations revealed that the payments to suppliers in overseas were frequently incomplete, hence the delayed shipments, accumulated storage fees at ports, penalties from suppliers and significant financial losses for customers.
In several cases, complainants received no vehicle at all despite paying in full.
Further inquiries into the matter established that the company, East Africa Motors Limited had shut down its physical offices, shifting all operations entirely online.
According to the investigators, this approach complicated the efforts by the victims to seek redress. Following the DCI’s intervention, the East African Motors Limited website was taken down to prevent further engagements, and the company’s business registration has since been cancelled.
Wanjuki’s search is being supported by multiple investigative units as authorities pursue both his arrest and the recovery funds. The DCI has issued a strong public warning against conducting any business transactions with the suspect or any entities associated with him.
Members of the public with pending complains, unresolved case or relevant information that could aid in locating the suspect have been urged to report to the DCI’s Serious Crime Unit. Other tips could also be shared confidentially through free hotline on 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The DCI says the case highlights the growing risk of cross-border vehicle import fraud and has reiterated on its commitment to protecting members of the public and residents from fraudulent schemes and ensuring justice for all victims
