Two suspects have been arrested over an alleged scheme to fraudulently acquire a parcel of land along Old Mombasa Road.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the two were using documents that investigators suspect were forged.
The suspects were arrested by detectives from the DCI Headquarters' Land Fraud Investigations Unit (LFIU) following investigations into competing ownership claims over the property.
The investigation began after an individual reported suspected fraud involving land they claimed lawfully belonged to them, prompting detectives to examine ownership records and documents supporting the competing claims.
As investigators looked into the matter, they established that a private company was also claiming ownership of the property and sought to verify the records with the Ministry of Lands.
According to the DCI, the ministry confirmed that the land was registered in the name of the individual who reported the matter.
Detectives then turned their attention to documents that were allegedly being used to support the company's claim to the property.
The DCI said investigators recovered what it described as "a falsified grant and a forged title deed," which detectives allege were being relied upon to support the competing claim.
The DCI said the case highlights what it described as its broader efforts to protect property rights and combat alleged fraudulent land dealings.
"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.
Following the investigation, detectives forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal directions.
According to the DCI, the ODPP directed that the two suspects be charged with several offences, including conspiracy to defraud, uttering a false document and obtaining registration by false pretences, among other charges.
The suspects were subsequently arrested and remained in police custody as they underwent processing ahead of their expected arraignment.
The DCI also warned that individuals found to have forged documents, manipulated land records or attempted to unlawfully dispossess legitimate property owners would face legal action.
"Individuals who forge documents, manipulate land records, or attempt to unlawfully dispossess legitimate property owners will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice," the agency said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court to answer the charges approved by the ODPP. The charges remain allegations unless and until they are proven in court.
