A director of a suspected fake recruitment agency has been arrested over a claimed Qatar job scam that saw a Kenyan job seeker lose Ksh110,000 after being promised lucrative employment abroad.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives from the Serious Crime Unit arrested the director following investigations into the accusations of obtaining money by false pretences through a purported overseas job recruitment scheme.

In a statement on Friday, July 24, 2026, DCI said investigations were launched after a complainant reported losing Ksh110,000 after being lured with promises of securing a job in Qatar through the recruitment agency.

Investigators established that the advertised employment opportunity was used to obtain money through false representations.

“Investigations established that the promised employment opportunity was allegedly used as a means of obtaining money through false representations,” the DCI said.

The investigative agency further stated the person of interest is linked to a company reported to have been operating as a fraudulent overseas recruitment agency targeting Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.

Following the completion of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved criminal charges against the person of interest.

Authorities confirmed that the accused is currently being processed and is expected to appear before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, July 27, 2026, to answer to the charges.

The case highlights growing concerns over fake overseas recruitment scams in Kenya, where fraudsters allegedly exploit job seekers by advertising attractive employment opportunities in Gulf countries and other foreign destinations before demanding recruitment or processing fees.

The DCI urged Kenyans seeking overseas employment to verify the authenticity of recruitment agencies before making any payments.

“The DCI cautions members of the public to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before making any payments for overseas jobs,” the agency said.

The investigative agency also advised prospective job seekers to confirm that any recruitment firm is duly registered and licensed by the relevant government authorities.

“Always confirm that an agency is duly registered and licensed by the relevant government authorities before committing your hard-earned money,” the statement added.

Authorities continue to encourage members of the public to report suspected recruitment fraud to law enforcement agencies, saying public vigilance remains critical in combating Qatar job scams, fake recruitment agencies, and other forms of overseas employment fraud targeting unsuspecting Kenyans.