Two University of Nairobi students have been charged with orchestrating a high-value cryptocurrency scam involving over Ksh. 15 million in a case that has raised alarm about student involvement in sophisticated financial crimes.
Jesus Godoua Imedil and Judith Mbatha Nzioka, both appearing at the Milimani Law Courts on May 26, 2025, face two serious charges under Kenya’s Penal Code, including conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses.
The duo allegedly defrauded a foreign national, Tuyishime Grace, of 116,000 USDT (an equivalent of Ksh. 15,360,000) on April 30, 2025, under the pretense of assisting her with cryptocurrency trading on the Binance platform.
The prosecution states that the fraudulent activity took place at the upscale Serena Hotel in Nairobi, where the accused reportedly convinced the victim they were seasoned crypto traders.
Using false claims and deceptive digital maneuvers, they allegedly manipulated the victim into transferring a substantial amount in USDT, a widely used stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar.
The court heard that the accused falsely portrayed themselves as intermediaries or facilitators within the Binance ecosystem, taking advantage of the victim’s limited familiarity with the platform.
In Count I, the students are charged with conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Section 317 of the Penal Code, while Count II pertains to obtaining money by false pretenses, under Section 313.
The charges reflect the growing concern over cryptocurrency-related frauds that blend high-tech trickery with old-fashioned deceit.
Both suspects were arrested on April 30, 2025, the same day the alleged offense occurred. They remained in custody until their court appearance on May 26.
The Senior Magistrate handling the case ordered that each accused be released on a Ksh. 3 million bond or a Ksh. 1.5 million cash bail.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for June 11, 2025, with the matter set to continue on July 21, 2025.
Both accused students remain innocent until proven guilty under Kenyan law. The court proceedings are expected to continue in earnest as evidence is laid bare in the coming months.
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