Three Suspects Arrested in Alleged Fraudulent Transfer of NSSF Land
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested three men Tuesday after uncovering an alleged scheme to fraudulently transfer a National Social Security Fund parcel of land valued at about KES 350 million.
The arrests followed a Sept. 2, 2025, complaint filed at DCI headquarters by NSSF, which reported that its property in Arthi River, within Mavoko Municipality in Machakos County, had been unlawfully claimed and transferred through forged documents.
According to investigators, the suspects — Harish Ramji, Ashvin Ramji and Bharat Ramji — are accused of illegally acquiring a title deed for the 3.043-hectare parcel by creating and presenting a falsified transfer document.
Detectives said the document, dated May 27, 2010, appeared legitimate and bore signatures resembling those of the NSSF Board of Trustees, thereby enabling the suspects to assert that the land had been sold and transferred to them.
Authorities believe several accomplices, who remain at large, played roles in the preparation and processing of the alleged forged records.
Investigators said the case began when NSSF noticed discrepancies in land records and alerted DCI, prompting an inquiry into the chain of ownership.
The probe involved reviewing archived land documents, interviewing witnesses and comparing signatures with known NSSF files.
Officials said the investigative team also relied on forensic document analysis, which indicated that the signatures on the contested transfer form were not authentic.
Once the inquiry was completed, DCI forwarded the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent review.
Prosecutors examined the evidence and found it consistent with the findings of the investigating officer.
The ODPP then approved charges, including conspiracy to defraud, making a false document, obtaining registration by false pretences and forgery of a document.
DCI officers said detectives used forensic leads to track the three suspects’ movements before executing coordinated arrests on Tuesday. The individuals were taken into custody in Nairobi, where they underwent formal processing. They are expected to appear in court after prosecutors finalize the charge sheet.
Authorities said efforts are underway to locate the remaining suspects believed to have assisted in the preparation, registration and attempted legitimization of the forged documents.
Investigators noted that additional arrests are likely as the probe expands.
The DCI said the case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to protect public assets, particularly government-owned land targeted by fraudulent networks.
Officials emphasized that safeguarding public property remains a priority and encouraged institutions to promptly report suspicious activity involving land records.
NSSF has not issued further comment but is expected to cooperate as the case proceeds to court.
