University Student’s Boyfriend-Gifted Sh6M Freezed by Court
A university student’s Sh6M gift from his boyfriend has been frozen by the court. The High Court ruled on Friday on a Ksh 6 million donation received by Felista Njoroge, a 23-year-old student, from her millionaire Belgian lover and cryptocurrency trader Merc De Mesel.
Lady Justice Diana Kavedza granted the Assets and Recovery Agency authorization to take the money on suspicion of money laundering related to the Ksh 6 million contribution in a judgement. The judge expressed concern about the cash’ source, which was not disclosed.
As a result, Judge Kavedza not only froze the student’s assets, but also barred anyone acting on her behalf from transacting, withdrawing, or transferring the aforementioned sum. According to Section 84 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA), the judge stated that these orders will be in effect for ninety (90) days.
Furthermore, the judge set the case for hearing on November 22, 2023 before Lady Justice Esther Maina, the presiding judge of the Anti-Corruption Division.
It is important to note that if a move to forfeit the case is underway in court or if a judge makes an order to vacate the decision before the deadline, the 90-day timeframe can be extended.
Njoroge sprang to prominence in 2021 after investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) seized more than Ksh 100 million provided as a present by her Belgian boyfriend. The student was upset with the court’s judgment and stated that the funds were intended for her own use.
According to court documents, the Belgian national informed the court that the student was permitted to spend the monies to guarantee the future of her and her children, emphasizing that the present was a mark of their affection.
De Mesel, on the other hand, came under suspicion after allegedly sending Ksh 257 million to three additional women. This drew the attention of the Assets and Recovery Agency (ARA), which obtained court orders freezing the funds while the inquiry was ongoing.
