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The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Uasin Gishu has launched a manhunt for a Mr Ambrose Abutti, who is associated with a pyramid scheme that allegedly defrauded thousands of unsuspecting investors over Sh2.4  billion in the North Rift region.

Scores of the victims who include prominent businessmen and women, university dons, doctors, gospel artistes, civil servants, jua kali artisans, farmers, churches and tertiary institutions have been camping at the Eldoret DCI office to record statements.

Abutti who is still at large had allegedly been running a pyramid scheme known as Spring Mark Investment whose office was located at Medows Building in Eldoret town before he disappeared last year.

This was after he got wind that the police were looking for him in connection to the multi-million-shilling investment racket.

Suspected swindler

Speaking to the press in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu CCIO Daniel Muleli confirmed the incident saying investigations into the suspected swindler are in top gear and it is just a matter of time before he is apprehended.

Muleli said they have been receiving numerous complaints from victims who ventured into the dubious scheme, noting that they have recorded their statements.

“Indeed I am aware of the victims who lost their money running into billions after being promised that they would receive huge returns from the suspicious pyramid scheme,” said Muleli.

Fraud

  Scores of victims place complaints before the police accusing Ambrose Abitti of defrauding them over Sh2.4b.

  Victims say the suspect launched a pyramid scheme where they were tricked into investing.

  Suspect was Spring Mark Investment whose office was located at Medows building within the Eldoret town central business district.

Pyramid scheme

Robinson Makokha, one of the businessmen in Eldoret town deposited with the pyramid scheme Sh708,000 after he was promised that the amount would grow aggressively, with 17 percent compound interest per month.

 Makokha stated that he has never earned the said interest on the money he invested in the pyramid scheme as promised last year when was introduced to the owner of the scheme.

“This money I was relying on to grow my business but now I have been left in debts. I am stressed and only hope the guy will be arrested soon so that I can be refunded my money,” said Makokha.

Another victim who declined to be named said that he pumped Sh1.2 million into the scheme in the hope that he would use the profit earned from the venture to expand his matatu business.

“I have three PSV vehicles that I operate between Eldoret and Nakuru route and I had planned to increase my fleets with additional two Nissan matatu vehicles from the profit margin I had been promised that I would earn from money I paid in the scheme,” he added.

He called on the police to expedite investigations into the matter and arrest the prime suspect.

 “We have been coming here at the DCI in Eldoret since January to check on the progress of the police investigations but to our dismay we are told the suspect is yet to be arrested,” he lamented.

He wondered why the sleuths were taking long to bring to book the suspected culprit and yet they had assisted them with all the information including his cell phone numbers which are still active and the rural home.

Uasin Gishu county DCI chief Daniel Muleli (centre) fields questions from the media in Eldoret yesterday. PD/winstone chiseremi