How Kenyans got caught in $130m US ghost student scam
In May 2024, Francis Mogambi arrived in the United States after winning the Diversity Visa lottery, a programme that gives people from around the world a chance to become permanent residents. Just over two years later, the Kenyan national found himself at the centre of a US investigation into an alleged nationwide scheme to defraud [...] The post How Kenyans got caught in $130m US ghost student…
A US probe into a massive student financial aid fraud scheme has uncovered alleged networks involving Kenyan nationals accused of using stolen identities and fake college applications to claim taxpayer-funded education assistance. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted five defendants in Operation Ghostbusters and seized over Ksh97.4 million in cryptocurrency.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald vowed to pursue those involved globally, stating, "Whether you are in Nebraska, New Jersey, Virginia, or Nairobi, we will pursue you." The fraud involves criminals exploiting stolen or fabricated identities to enroll fictitious students in American colleges and universities, securing financial aid for non-existent individuals.
The DOJ announced the first international seizure of its kind in Kenya, highlighting joint efforts with Kenyan law enforcement agencies. Over 830,840 potentially fraudulent student aid accounts were identified, potentially costing American taxpayers more than Ksh26 billion through more than 40 cases pursued across various jurisdictions.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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