Theft of Sh24 Million Aloe Vera Allegedly Orchestrated by Chinese Nationals
A shocking case of fraud and theft has emerged in Mombasa, where a Chinese national, Li Changhong, alongside his two co-accused, Nzomo Muvengei and Philip Maina, have been charged with stealing Sh24 million worth of aloe vera from a businessman. The businessman, Yahya Omar Mohamed, who appeared in court while being pushed in a wheelchair due to his medical condition, has claimed that the accused stole a substantial consignment of medicinal aloe vera, which was meant for export to China. This incident is now the subject of ongoing investigations.
The three accused face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, theft by agents, and handling stolen goods. These charges stem from an alleged scheme to misappropriate the businessman’s valuable aloe vera consignment. Mohamed, who is a long-time exporter of medicinal aloe vera, has insisted on getting his money back as part of seeking justice. With 25 children to care for and grappling with his disability, Mohamed expressed his desire for restitution during his testimony in court.
Details of the Alleged Theft and Fraudulent Activity
According to the charges, Mohamed’s aloe vera consignment, which weighed 28,080 kilograms, was being processed for export to China when the alleged theft occurred. Mohamed had booked the shipment at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Nairobi on November 3, 2024. However, as his consignment was in the process of being prepared for export, Mohamed fell critically ill, was admitted to the Coptic Hospital, and eventually slipped into a coma.
While Mohamed was fighting for his life in the hospital, the three accused allegedly conspired to steal the aloe vera consignment. Investigations led by Sergeant Titus Munialo revealed that the original 40-foot container (DFSU7384072), which contained the aloe vera, was illicitly removed from the depot. It was subsequently taken to Kabansora Warehouse in Embakasi, where the stolen goods were repacked into two smaller 20-foot containers. These containers were then shipped to China via the port of Mombasa.
How the Theft was Orchestrated and the Alleged Role of Changhong
The accused, particularly Li Changhong, who is said to have ties to Eshine Agricultural Planting Company Limited, allegedly played a major role in orchestrating the theft. The company, which is reportedly linked to Changhong, helped facilitate the illegal export of the stolen aloe vera consignment. However, the authorities are still investigating whether Changhong is directly associated with the company. Though Changhong provided company registration documents, these are yet to be verified by the Registrar of Companies.
Furthermore, authorities are scrutinizing the legality of Changhong’s activities in Kenya. While it is alleged that he has been involved in sourcing products for export, the investigators have not yet confirmed if Changhong holds the necessary permits to engage in business activities, including the export of aloe vera. Changhong’s arrival in Kenya is also under investigation, as his activities may have violated the terms of his entry into the country.
Attempted Flight and Arrest of Changhong
The investigations took a dramatic turn when Changhong attempted to flee Kenya. According to the investigations officer, Changhong tried to leave the country for China, fully aware of the ongoing investigations into the theft. He was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by immigration officers, who detained him. Shortly after, police officers arrested him under OB 20/20/1/2025 at the airport’s police station.
The authorities were particularly concerned about Changhong’s potential to flee, as he had not disclosed the full extent of his business activities in Kenya. The police requested additional time to verify his nationality, visa validity, and business permits. Changhong’s role in the alleged theft of the aloe vera consignment is still being examined, but his flight attempt raised suspicions regarding his involvement.
Legal Proceedings and the Possibility of an Out-of-Court Settlement
At the Mombasa Law Courts, the three accused denied the charges brought against them. They were granted bond terms of Sh5 million or an alternative cash bail of Sh500,000 each. The case has attracted public attention due to the high value of the goods involved and the dramatic circumstances surrounding the theft. The court is scheduled to mention the case again on March 5, 2025.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that discussions were taking place for an out-of-court settlement. Changhong, reportedly, expressed a willingness to compensate the businessman, Yahya Mohamed, for the stolen aloe vera. However, Mohamed insisted that he had not been contacted by the accused as promised, leaving him frustrated and dissatisfied with the progress of the case.
Mohamed’s Plea for Justice and the Impact on His Family
The impact of the theft on Yahya Mohamed has been profound. As a father of 25 children, he expressed the emotional and financial toll the loss of the Sh24 million worth of aloe vera has had on his family. In his testimony, he stated that he relies on the profits from his aloe vera exports to provide for his large family, and this theft has left him struggling both financially and emotionally. He emphasized that his primary concern was recovering his stolen funds and receiving justice for the crime committed against him.
In court, Mohamed pleaded for justice, stating that he would only be happy if he was compensated for his losses. His vulnerability was evident, as he was forced to attend the hearing in a wheelchair, due to his critical health condition. The case, which is still under investigation, has sparked outrage, with many questioning how such a significant theft could have been carried out while the businessman was incapacitated in the hospital.
