EACC arrests two over impersonation and extortion

EACC arrests two over impersonation and Sh20,000 extortion

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two individuals accused of impersonating its officers and extorting money from a member of the public.

In a statement, the commission said the suspects were apprehended following a complaint lodged on March 29, in which a member of the public reported being contacted by a person claiming to be an EACC officer.

“The commission received a complaint from a member of the public who had been contacted by individuals falsely posing as EACC officers and demanding money to influence an alleged investigation,” EACC said.

The caller allegedly informed the complainant that they were under investigation and demanded money to influence the outcome of the case.

EACC said the suspects requested a payment in exchange for halting the purported investigation and shielding the complainant from further action.

Acting on the report, the commission mounted an operation that led to their arrest.

The anti-graft agency said the suspects were arrested immediately after receiving Sh20,000 from the complainant in a sting operation conducted by its officers.

“They were apprehended during an operation after receiving Sh20,000, which had been demanded as a bribe to interfere with the alleged case,” the commission said.

The suspects are currently being held at the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre, where they are undergoing statement recording and further processing as investigations continue.

EACC has since cautioned members of the public against falling prey to fraudsters posing as its officials, noting that all its services are offered transparently and through official channels.

“The commission urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents of bribery, extortion or impersonation to the nearest EACC office,” the statement read.

EACC has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying investigations into corruption and related offences, warning that individuals engaging in fraud and impersonation will face the full force of the law.

The anti-graft agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasising that timely information is key to successful investigations.

It encouraged Kenyans to use its official reporting channels to report corruption, assuring confidentiality and protection of whistleblowers.

According to EACC, public cooperation remains critical in the fight against corruption and called on citizens to play an active role in safeguarding integrity in public service.