Businesswoman Charged in Ksh 36M Credit Scam
The lawyer holding brief for the complainant, Brian Kariithi, concurred with the prosecution on putting stringent terms in exchange for the accused's freedom, considering the suffering she had gone through.
A businesswoman has been charged at a Nairobi court with obtaining Ksh 30 million in pretence that she could assist an investor in securing a standby letter of credit.
Lilian Wangui Odwoma alias Lilian Weru was charged that on diverse dates between May 4 and 20, 2024, in Westlands Area within Nairobi county jointly with others who were not before the court obtained USD 50,000 and Ksh 30 million from Elizabeth Wanjiku Muigai in pretences that she was in a position to assist her to secure a Standby Letter of Credit from Pacific Concord International FZC based in Dubai, which was a false fact.
She was also charged with the acquisition of proceeds of crime contrary to Section 4 (a) of the Constitution. The court heard that, at the same period, in Nairobi county, a person purporting to be an agent working for Pacific Concord International FZC based in Dubai acquired the said money from the complainant. At the time of acquisition of the funds, she knew it formed part of the proceeds of crime which she committed.
She was also charged with using the proceeds of crime. The prosecution told the court that Odwoma engaged in transactions with the intent to dispose of monies received from Muigai, whilst having reason to believe that the said monies were proceeds of crime.
Odwoma appeared and denied the charges before the Milimani senior principal magistrate, Dolphina Alego.
The prosecution did not oppose the release of the accused on bond but urged for stringent terms considering the amount involved.
The lawyer holding brief for the complainant, Brian Kariithi, concurred with the prosecution on putting stringent terms in exchange for the accused’s freedom, considering the suffering she had gone through.
The defence lawyer John Swaka requested the court’s leniency in granting bail to the accused person, who he claims to be suffering from a chronic illness.
“Your honor taking into consideration that the accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, I would request for leniency while granting bond to the accused person who is ailing. Consider to save life and grant lenient bond terms,” Swaka told the magistrate.
The lawyer further added that the accused is not a flight risk, that her place of abode is known, and that she is willing to abide by the terms set by the court.
The magistrate ordered her to be detained in custody until August 18, 2025, when the pre-bail report will be available in court for bond consideration.
