Douala: Gendarmes nab fake Landlord

Gendarmes in Akwa Nord Douala have succeeded to apprehend a man called Keming Franklin accused of acting as a fake landlord extorting money from over 20 people in search of an apartment to rent.

He reportedlypleaded guilty to the gendarme officials, adding that has been in this dubious job for over five years now with his accomplices being fake real estate agents and security guards.

Some victims who witnessed his public presentation on May 23, 2024 said he even issued them fake receipts after depositing him huge sums of money.

“In 2021, when I was looking for a house, I contacted one of his fake real estate agents who presented to me some houses which were available in Bonamoussadi. The next day, I went with my wife and some witnesses to hand him the sum of FCFA 1.3 million. He told me I had to give FCFA 100.000 to one agent and 50.000 to another. Days after, I noticed he was fake and filed a complaint at the gendarmerie.” A victim narrated.

“As for me, he dubbed me off the sum of FCFA 1.5 million. I also paid the fake agent the sum of 5,000frs”. Another victim Embelle Fidel reported.

Following series of similar complaints filed against the same individual, an investigation was conducted which lead to the arrest of the alleged fake landlord.

“Within a week, we received 16 complaints against the same man. The number adds to 10 others who had also filed similar complaint.” Commander of the Akwa Nord territorial gendarmerie brigade disclosed.

The alleged fake landlord will be answering to questions from judges in court.

The victims on their part expect reimbursement of their money by the suspect and for him to be thrown in prison.