Police have launched an investigation into Vintmark Travel Agency, following allegations that its director, Ceaser Wager Kingori, defrauded desperate job seekers out of a cumulative KSh 720 million.
The agency, which has been advertising employment opportunities in Germany, is now under intense scrutiny as claims of fraud continue to surface.
The investigation follows a recent bilateral labor agreement between Kenya and Germany, signed during President William Ruto’s visit to Germany in mid-September.
Among the recruitment agents who traveled with the delegation was Ceaser Kingori, who attended meetings with potential employers.
Kingori, a key figure in Vintmark Travel Agency, sought to position himself as a key player in facilitating job placements for Kenyans in Germany.
However, back in Kenya, he left behind a trail of dissatisfied clients claiming to have been conned.
Victims have filed numerous complaints with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi, demanding refunds for promised job opportunities abroad that never materialized.
Samuel Commando is among the victims, seeking to recover KSh 150,000 paid for a job in Canada.
Similarly, Paul Mara from Kambo and Mary Wangare have each lost KSh 150,000 in fraudulent deals, with Wangare having paid half of a KSh 300,000 fee for a job in the UK.
A South African client, Madiso Mlu, also lost KSh 130,000 for a caregiver position that did not exist.
Despite these complaints, Kingori has continued to recruit new clients through Vintmark Travel Agency.
The company recently posted job openings in Germany, urging people to begin their application processes.
This has raised questions about how the agency is still allowed to operate amidst ongoing investigations.
The National Employment Authority (NEA) has intervened, with Director General Edith Okoki confirming that the agency has written to Vintmark , demanding a response to the allegations within seven days.
Failure to comply could lead to the revocation of Vintmark’s license.
Labour CS Alfred Mua has also pledged to look into the matter, with further discussions expected between his office and Nairobi’s Regional Criminal Investigations Officer, Jeron Thiga.
Kingori, who holds a key stake in Vintmark Travel Agency, has not responded to the allegations or media inquiries.
The investigation into his agency’s dealings is ongoing, with many job seekers hoping for swift justice and refunds.
Apart from the latest Vintmark Travel Agency Jobs scams, Kenyans in the past found themselves losing their hard-earned money via related scams. Late last year, thousands of youths from Uasin Gishu lost money amounting to billions of money via Finland Scholarship scandal, while others lost their money to a rogue agency called First Choice recruiting agency.