A Kenyan born man living in the United States has landed in legal trouble after authorities accused him of using stolen identities to enroll unsuspecting Americans in online colleges and collect student financial aid worth approximately KSh 2.56 million.
Francis Smith Mogambi, who resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, is facing a second-degree forgery charge, classified as a Class 2A felony under Nebraska law.
According to an arrest affidavit cited in media reports, investigators believe the alleged scheme involved obtaining personal information belonging to American citizens, enrolling them in online institutions without their knowledge and collecting financial aid issued in their names.
How the Alleged Scheme Operated
The investigation began after the Lincoln Police Department received a report of suspected fraud in April 2026 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Union.
A witness familiar with Mogambi allegedly told investigators that he had been receiving financial aid cheques issued to people whose identities were reportedly used to enrol them in online colleges.
The cheques were allegedly endorsed in Mogambi’s name before being deposited into his bank accounts.
Investigators also examined documents and photographs of cheques linked to Grand Canyon University that were reportedly found at his residence.
Police later obtained financial records and copies of 10 cheques associated with several institutions, including American Public University, Colorado Technical University and Ultimate Medical Academy.
According to the affidavit, the endorsements on the cheques appeared to have been written in similar handwriting, raising further suspicions about the transactions.
Witness Claims He Was Offered KSh 259,000 Weekly
The case took another turn after a witness reportedly told police that Mogambi had attempted to recruit him into the alleged operation.
According to the witness, the offer involved payments of $2,000 per week, equivalent to approximately KSh 259,000, to participate in the scheme.
Investigators also allege that Mogambi worked with family members in Kenya to obtain the personal information used in the fraudulent enrolments. Part of the proceeds was reportedly sent to Kenya.
The extent of the alleged scheme became clearer as police reviewed financial records from several banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank and Chase Bank.
Authorities established that cheques worth $20,397, approximately KSh 2.56 million, had allegedly been forged and cashed.
Victims Discover Loans They Never Applied For
Some of the alleged victims reportedly discovered the problem only after noticing student loans on their credit records.
One individual from Wisconsin told investigators that he discovered he had been enrolled at Colorado Technical University after a student loan appeared on his credit report.
The man reportedly denied applying to the institution, requesting financial aid or authorizing anyone to cash cheques in his name.
Other individuals similarly told investigators that they had neither enrolled in the colleges nor approved the financial transactions.
The allegations have raised concerns about identity theft and the potential consequences for victims whose personal information is used to obtain loans without their consent.
Mogambi faces a second-degree forgery charge in connection with the investigation. The allegations have yet to be proven in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case highlights how identity theft can extend beyond stolen money, potentially leaving unsuspecting victims dealing with financial obligations they never knowingly incurred.
