Detectives arrest rogue travel agent who conned elderly Hajj-goers last year

NAIROBI—A team of detectives have finally arrested rogue travel agent who made away with money belonging to prospective Hajj-goers on August last year.

Nur Hassan Abdi was arrested while attempting to cross over the border to Somalia in Dhobley on Tuesday. He is accused of defrauding elderly pilgrims of more than sh 7 million by false pretense.

On August last year, Kulan Post was first to report how Abdi Noor Hassan known as “Korio” duped 30 pilgrims who paid him amount ranging from sh350,000 to sh600,000 to facilitate their travel documents and return ticket. On the day of flight to Saudi Arabia, victims were left stranded in Nairobi without money, passports and the rogue travel agents in sight.

Heartbroken and conned, some of them returned to their hometowns while others stayed back to recover their money. 

Kamakunji legislator condemned the incident and called for speedy probe and arrest of Mr Noor who he termed as callous.

“Outraged to hear that Abdi  Noor Hassan aka Korio has left  elderly persons who were expecting to perform their Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca this month stranded in Nairobi. He promised to get them visas but has disappeared with their passports and money instead,” the MP said.

He added that, “It’s hard to imagine a more despicable & callous act than swindling elderly people of their money & dreams of performing the Hajj, one of 5 pillars of Islam. DCI Directorate of Criminal Investigation) must leave no stone unturned to apprehend and bring to book this heartless conman.”

Nur was transferred to Nairobi where he is expected to be arraigned.