NAIROBI, Kenya – A business deal that began with trust and high expectations has turned into a nightmare for two Chinese investors who were allegedly defrauded by a Kenyan businesswoman, Beatrice Mwanza Omurana.
The investors, who had partnered with Beatrice to export meat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), claim she faked crucial documents, pocketed their money, and vanished without a trace.
Speaking to the press in Nairobi, Vivian Gui and her business partner Hao Hua Wu detailed how their relationship with Beatrice began in August 2024.
They agreed to offer Beatrice a 40% stake in the business, allowing them to source goats from Neema Slaughterhouse and export them to the United Arab Emirates.
“We came to Kenya to invest in the meat export business, which was supposed to be a joint venture between my partners and Beatrice. But after paying her $216,226 (approximately Sh 30 million), she disappeared and has been avoiding all contact. She is avoiding meeting Chinese investors and letting us wait for her endlessly,” said Vivian Gui, one of the affected Chinese investors.
How the Chinese investors were scammed
Recounting the events after meeting with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Vivian expressed disbelief at how they had been deceived.
She explained that they had trusted Beatrice completely, giving her money and even making her a shareholder, only to discover too late that everything was a fraud.
Her business partner, Hao Hua Wu, echoed the sentiment, emphasising that the extent of the forgery was far beyond anything they had imagined.
He vowed to pursue justice and ensure those responsible face the full force of the law.
The investors reported the case to Lucky Summer Police Station, where it was recorded under OB number 52, filed in mid-January 2025.
With high hopes in their new venture, Vivian and Hao had transferred six payments, amounting to a total of $216,226, to Beatrice for the purchase of livestock and operational expenses.
How the the fraud was orchestrated
However, as time passed, discrepancies began to emerge. The promised shipments never materialised, and their Kenyan partner became elusive.
As suspicions grew, the investors sought assistance from the Neema Livestock and Slaughtering Investments Limited. The company later confirmed that Beatrice had no legitimate association with them, and the documents she presented were forged.
On January 21, 2025, Hajj Bonaya Bakata, the Managing Director of Neema Livestock, wrote to the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit under the Central Bank of Kenya, requesting a thorough investigation into the fraudulent activities involving Beatrice.
According to the official complaint, the fraud was orchestrated using forged documents that included falsified company logos, signatures, and contracts, misrepresenting Neema Livestock’s involvement in the deal.
The report stated that the last time Beatrice contracted slaughter services from Neema Livestock was on February 21, 2022, meaning her claims of an active partnership were fabricated.
Neema Livestock also filed a separate complaint against Beatrice for defamation, stating that the misrepresentation had tarnished the company’s reputation and caused confusion in the industry.
What Kenyan investigators are interested in
The company urged the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit to take swift and decisive action, identify all parties involved, and ensure justice is served.
“We are committed to cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigations and providing any necessary documents, evidence, or assistance required,” Hajj Bonaya Bakata stated.
Law enforcement officials have since launched a manhunt for Beatrice, whose current whereabouts remain unknown. Investigators are also looking into whether she acted alone or had accomplices in carrying out the fraud.
This incident highlights the dangers of fraudulent business dealings, especially in international investments, where trust and financial transparency are crucial.
It also serves as a cautionary tale for foreign investors, urging them to conduct thorough background checks and implement strong legal safeguards before entering into business agreements.
As the search for Beatrice continues, Vivian and Hao remain hopeful that the Kenyan authorities will bring her to justice. However, the reality of recovering their lost millions remains uncertain.
