Authorities in Thika have arrested four men believed to be behind a well-coordinated scheme involving the theft of BIDCO products valued at more than KSh3,249,500. The suspects Haron Mwangi Ndung’u, James Nyaga Munyutha, Philip Njenga, and Paul Ngugi, were taken into custody on Thursday after detectives linked them to multiple fraudulent transactions carried out using forged Local Purchase Orders (LPOs).
According to a detailed report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the group allegedly generated fake LPOs bearing the official letterhead of Chandaria Ltd, a tactic they used to deceive suppliers and illegally obtain large consignments of BIDCO goods. Investigators say the forgery scheme had been ongoing and had succeeded on at least two previous occasions, allowing the suspects to walk away with goods worth millions.
Weeks of Surveillance Lead to Breakthrough
The DCI revealed that the arrest did not happen by chance. Detectives from the Operations Actions Team (OAT) had been quietly monitoring the group for several weeks. Intelligence officers had reportedly gathered crucial information about the suspects’ movements and patterns—insights that helped them predict when the next fraudulent attempt would occur. Once credible intelligence indicated that another fake transaction was imminent, officers prepared a swift and coordinated operation aimed at apprehending the suspects before they made away with more goods.
Suspects Intercepted En Route to BIDCO
On Thursday, detectives intercepted the group as they travelled toward BIDCO, allegedly preparing to execute yet another fraudulent collection using a forged LPO valued at KSh1,770,740.
The suspects were travelling in an Isuzu lorry, registration number KDB 249Z, which the DCI described as their getaway vehicle. Behind the wheel was Haron Mwangi Ndung’u, who reportedly led the operation. Inside the vehicle were his accomplices Nyaga, Njenga, and Ngugi, along with the newly forged documents intended to secure yet another massive haul of goods.
DCI officers stated that the team moved in at the exact moment the suspects were preparing to act, ensuring the group was arrested “red-handed” before any further losses were recorded. The decisive move prevented what the DCI said would have been another significant financial hit for the manufacturer.
A Pattern of Repeated Fraud
Investigators noted a consistent method used by the suspects: creating forged LPOs, falsely presenting themselves as legitimate buyers, and collecting goods directly from suppliers. By using the name of a reputable company, Chandaria Ltd, they managed to bypass verification measures on multiple occasions.
Their arrest is expected to help authorities piece together the full extent of the fraud network, including how the forged documents were produced, who else may be involved, and where the stolen goods were eventually delivered or sold.
Pending Court Charges
All four suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigators prepare to present them in court. They are expected to face charges related to forgery, fraud, theft, and conspiracy to defraud. The DCI has emphasized its commitment to dismantling criminal networks exploiting local industries and has urged companies to verify LPOs thoroughly to prevent similar incidents in the future. The arrests mark a significant step in curbing commercial fraud in the region, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
