A Somali-American businessman who used stolen US COVID-19 relief funds to build a 12-storey luxury apartment block in Nairobi has been sentenced to 28 years in prison by a US federal court.
The 36-year-old was convicted of leading a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme involving a government-funded programme meant to feed underprivileged children during the pandemic. He was accused of syphoning at least $42 million (Ksh5.4 billion) from the programme and diverting the funds to purchase luxury goods and invest in properties, including the high-rise under construction in Nairobi, according to Sahan Journal and court documents. The court heard that the businessman pocketed about $8 million (Ksh1.03 billion) for personal use, purchasing luxury cars, funding a lavish lifestyle in the United Arab Emirates, and developing real estate in Nairobi.
Acting US Attorney Joe Thompson told the court that Farah had sent at least $1 million (Ksh129.2 million) overseas to finance the apartment complex.
A caucasian man in handcuffs Photo Freepik US District Judge Nancy Brasel described the Somali-American's scheme as "breathtakingly elaborate", adding that he acted out of "pure unmitigated greed".
