While many hardworking people strive honestly to earn a living and secure a comfortable place to call home, certain individuals prey on this aspiration through deceptive and fraudulent practices. Property fraud has become a recurring menace, with unsuspecting purchasers falling victim to schemes involving non-existent properties, government-acquired lands, or properties already under litigation. In many cases, once the buyer discovers the truth, the perpetrators resort to threats, intimidation, or outright violence to silence the victim and retain the proceeds of crime.

It is important for the public to understand that not every property dispute is purely a civil matter. The clear distinction between a civil wrong and a criminal offence lies in the presence of a guilty mind (mens rea) and a guilty act (actus reus). Where a transaction is founded on deliberate falsehood, impersonation, forgery, conspiracy, or is followed by threats and violence to cover up the deceit, the matter transcends a simple breach of contract and advance into  the realm of criminality.

The Police therefore investigate cases that may appear civil on the surface when elements of fraud, criminal intent, or violence are evident. Such intervention is necessary to protect victims, prevent further harm, and deter criminals who hide behind civil transactions to perpetrate crime. Members of the public are advised to exercise due diligence, verify property documents through relevant authorities, and promptly report any suspicion of fraud or criminality in general.