Former Inchcape Kenya CEO Sanjiv Shah faces bank fraud charge
Former Inchcape Kenya Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjiv Pushpakant Shah has been charged with bank fraud in a case that has drawn attention to financial dealings within Kenya’s automotive sector.
Shah appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Theresia Nyangena at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, where he denied a charge of forging a bank document with intent to defraud.
The prosecution alleges that Shah forged a bank remittance advice purportedly issued by Victoria Commercial Bank and presented it as a genuine document.
According to court documents, the alleged offence occurred on or before August 20, 2024.
Prosecutors claim that Shah knowingly created or used the forged remittance advice to mislead parties into believing the document originated from the bank.
The prosecution alleged that he created the document with intent to deceive.
However, during the initial court appearance, the prosecution did not disclose the specific transaction or the amount of money linked to the alleged forgery.
Shah pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in court.
Magistrate Nyangena granted him bond of Sh500,000 with an alternative cash bail of Sh100,000 pending further proceedings.
The case has attracted interest due to Shah’s prominent career in Kenya’s automotive industry.
He previously served as chief executive officer of Inchcape Kenya, the distributor of luxury vehicle brands including Jaguar and Land Rover in the Kenyan market.
Before joining Inchcape, Shah held senior positions in the motor vehicle sector, including leadership roles at RMA Motors Kenya and DT Dobie.
His experience in the industry made him a well-known figure in Kenya’s high-end automotive market and among corporate executives in Nairobi.
Investigators are expected to present evidence relating to the alleged forged banking document when the case proceeds to the hearing stage.
The matter is scheduled for mention on March 17, 2026, when the court is expected to set timelines for pre-trial directions.
