The public and members of the business community have been cautioned over a middle-aged man of Asian descent alleged to be involved in a string of “stealing by servant” cases across the region.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Hasan Jan Mohammed, popularly known as “Butch,” is accused of winning the confidence of employers before allegedly masterminding the theft of large sums of money running into millions of shillings.
Court records indicate that this is not the first time Jan Mohammed has faced legal trouble. In 2023, he was arraigned before the Kiambu Law Courts and charged with stealing Sh6 million from a retail outlet where he had been employed. He denied the allegations at the time, and the case is still pending before the court.
Despite the ongoing proceedings, fresh claims have emerged suggesting that the suspect may have continued targeting unsuspecting employers, sparking concern and anger among sections of the local business community.
Several affected employers, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration and fear, saying they initially felt powerless to act. Some claimed that the suspect often sought refuge at the Saaj mosque where he was allegedly shielded from the full consequences of the law.
One former employer who said he fell victim to the suspect described him as persuasive and outwardly devout.
“He presents himself as God-fearing and hardworking. Once he gains your trust and understands how the business operates, he allegedly devises a scheme to siphon funds,” the employer claimed. “For a long time, we felt intimidated and were made to believe that no action could be taken against him.”
Another business owner described the alleged incidents as “persistent and damaging,” arguing that public awareness could help prevent further losses to enterprises already grappling with tough economic conditions.
In a significant development, a source within the Saaj mosque, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, distanced the institution from the suspect’s alleged activities. The insider clarified that the mosque no longer supports Jan Mohammed and has withdrawn any prior assistance.
According to the source, the institution initially intervened under the belief that he was innocent. However, leadership later reconsidered their position after what was described as the emergence of a troubling pattern of behavior.
The insider disclosed that the mosque had previously facilitated a bond arrangement for the suspect but withdrew support after concerns arose about his conduct. He was described as no longer being regarded as a genuine member of the congregation.
The mosque has reportedly advised complainants to pursue their grievances through the appropriate legal channels rather than seeking informal intervention.
“We typically prefer to resolve issues discreetly and avoid public attention,” the source said. “However, this matter is known, and he has been left to address his legal issues independently within the justice system.”
As the 2023 case continues before the Kiambu court, members of the public have been urged to exercise due diligence when hiring staff, including conducting thorough background checks and verifying references.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with credible information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts or any new alleged offences to report the matter to the nearest police station.
The case remains under judicial consideration.
