The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has warned the public and the business community over a series of fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating senior officials of the Ministry.
According to a release dated October 28, 2024, Criminal elements have been calling business owners, particularly within the Lebanese community, falsely claiming that the Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Madam Scholastica Nyenkan-Nimley, is requesting a meeting with them. These imposters are using this deception to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.
The ministry has strongly condemned these acts of extortion and informs the public that no such requests for meetings have been made by the Acting Minister. The imposters involved in these activities have been identified as using the following number: 0887395022, confirmed by MoCI to be associated with Katrina Niaree.
“We urge business owners and the general public to disregard any calls or messages from this number or from individuals making similar claims. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry conducts its official business through proper channels, and all legitimate engagements are communicated via official correspondence,” the release said.
The MoCI has engaged the police to investigate, identify and prosecute those responsible for these fraudulent activities, and encourages anyone who has been contacted by these imposters to report the matter to the nearest police station or contact the ministry for further guidance.
