TikTok job scam: Lady charged in Sh5.8 million labour export fraud that promised fake overseas jobs

In the bustling digital corridors of TikTok, Hellen Wangare Ngugi painted a compelling vision of opportunities, well-paying jobs in Europe, the Arabian Gulf, and North America. Just a simple visa processing fee away. 

For hundreds of desperate Kenyan job seekers, her words were a lifeline. Today, those same promises have left dozens financially devastated, their savings wiped out, and their trust in pieces.

Stephlee Tours and Travel Agency, which Ngugi directs, now finds itself at the centre of explosive allegations of a sophisticated scam that preyed on the hopes of ordinary Kenyans.

The controversy reached a dramatic climax when Ngugi appeared before Chief Magistrate Kennedy Bidali at Makadara Law Courts early this week.

Dressed sharply and composed, she pleaded not guilty to charges that paint a picture of calculated deception.

The company, formerly trading as Hepharm Tours and Travel Limited, has raised further suspicions due to the unexplained name change.

Through slick, high-energy TikTok videos, Ngugi and her associates aggressively marketed labour export services, assuring applicants that for a substantial down payment, typically ranging from Sh100,000 to over Sh200,000, they could secure work visas within just seven days.

To win their hearts after making payments and presenting their passports, a CV and a certificate of good conduct, Ngugi presented them with fake work permits. 

Among the victims whose cases have already been filed in court are Jackline Murugi, who paid Sh150,000, Ann Kinuthia, who parted with Sh155,250, Edna Bonareti Momanyi, who handed over Sh204,000 and Jane Muthoni who paid Sh150,000.

In one particularly troubling episode, Ngugi approached Goshen HR, a legitimate recruiting agency, promising overseas placements for its clients.  Goshen then presented 85 clients (now turned victims ) and paid her Sh5,898,000 on behalf of the said job seekers.

Shockingly, out of the 85 individuals, just seven individuals were eventually flown to the Bahamas, only to be deported immediately upon arrival after presenting fake work permits allegedly issued through Stephlee Agency.

The traumatized group was returned to Kenya, where they informed Goshen HR of the deception.

When confronted, Ngugi reportedly promised alternative opportunities or full refunds. 

After a while, she became elusive and instead allegedly led the complainants in circles for months before going silent.

Moses Munene Mwangi, another victim, claims he paid Sh105,000 in November last year for a promised warehouse job in New Zealand. He borrowed some of the money from his mother and friends.

After months of delays and excuses, Ngugi reportedly blocked those who questioned her before switching her phone off.

When Mwangi traced her to her office, she allegedly locked herself inside and communicated via WhatsApp that she no longer worked there.

Victims have described Ngugi as possessing a “sweet and convincing tongue.”

Following multiple complaints, Ngugi was arrested and charged. She was granted a cash bail of Sh60,000 and a bond of Sh150,000, with the case scheduled for hearing on November 5, 2026.