Feds indict 5 more in scam that defrauded $3.3M from agencies in 4 states

LAWRENCE MESSINA Associated Press Writer

1:31 PM EST, November 17, 2009
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A federal grand jury in West Virginia has linked five more people to an international scam that defrauded several states out of more than $3.3 million.

Michael Ochenge, Robert Otiso, Paramena Shikanda, Albert Gunga and Collins Masese have been indicted on charges alleging roles in the scheme.

Prosecutors say the conspirators assumed the identities of companies that provide services to public agencies. They then tricked officials in Kansas, Massachusetts, Ohio and West Virginia into giving them money owed these legitimate vendors.

At least some of the funds ended up in Kenya. The conspiracy also allegedly involves the United Arab Emirates.

A North Carolina woman, Angella Muthoni Chegge-Kraszeski, was indicted in the scheme in May and awaits trial.


http://www.myfox8.com/news/sns-ap-wv--a ... 4876.story