Two directors of Daimler Enterprises Limited have been arrested by detectives over allegations of using forged ownership documents to claim an 8.35-acre piece of land along Old Mombasa Road, after investigations into a disputed ownership battle established that the property was legally registered under another person’s name.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the case began after a complaint was filed over suspected fraudulent dealings involving the parcel of land. Investigators from the Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) at the DCI Headquarters later established that official records from the Ministry of Lands showed the complainant as the rightful owner of the property.
According to the agency, Daimler Enterprises Limited had also presented ownership claims over the same parcel despite the government records confirming a different registered owner.
"Thorough investigations confirmed that the property is legitimately registered in the complainant's name, a finding corroborated by the Ministry of Lands," the DCI said in a statement.
Further investigations by land fraud detectives found that the company’s claim was allegedly based on documents that were not genuine, including a falsified grant and a forged title deed.
"Further scrutiny revealed that Daimler Enterprises Limited's claim was built on a falsified grant and a forged title deed, indicating a calculated attempt to defraud," the statement added.
After completing investigations, the DCI forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges against the company’s directors, John Mugo Njeru and Irima Mugo.
The two suspects are set to face several charges, including conspiracy to defraud, uttering a false document and obtaining registration by false pretences, among other offences.
The directors were arrested on Tuesday and remain in police custody as detectives complete processing ahead of their court appearance.
The DCI said the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to address land-related fraud cases, which continue to affect property ownership and transactions across the country.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard property rights and dismantle land fraud networks across the country," the agency said.
The investigative agency warned individuals involved in falsifying documents, altering land records or attempting to take over property illegally that they would face legal action.
It said, "individuals who forge documents, manipulate land records, or attempt to unlawfully dispossess legitimate property owners will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice."
The DCI also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of land fraud and other criminal activities through its anonymous reporting channels as investigations into the matter continue.