A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, after impersonating renowned journalist Eric Latiff to swindle unsuspecting top leaders.
In a statement by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, June 12, Julius Gacheru Wangari, alias Chris, targeted guests of Latiff, whom he hosted during his morning show at Spice FM.
"In the imposture dating back to 2023, the suspect has been personating journalist and radio host Eric Latiff of Standard Group's Spice FM, reaching out to guests hosted by the media personality in his Situation Room show," DCI stated.
The directorate noted that the suspect used to send 'thank you' messages to them as a way of establishing a conversation before making his moves.
DCI intimated that among those who fell victim were a Permanent Secretary, politician, renowned businessman, and top manager, among others.
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"The targeted victims who lost thousands to the get-rich-quick faithful purporting to be Latiff in need of "kakitu nimekwama mahali" include a Principal Secretary, a renowned businessman and politician, a high ranking director at KPLC, an official at Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya among others," DCI remarked.
The directorate disclosed that after he was apprehended, the suspect alleged to be a diploma holder in journalism from a renowned media institution in the country, previously working with a religious FM radio.
DCI detectives retrieved evidence which included SIM cards that the suspect used to send messages and receive money.
"Crucial evidence including the SIM cards used to send messages to targeted victims and receive the solicited money was found on him, and have since being surrendered to the Digital Forensic Laboratory for analysis," DCI added.
A Milimani court has granted the DCI sleuths at the Nairobi Regional Headquarters 7 days to complete investigations into the incident.
