How Kenyan Man, 19, Was Convinced to Burn Tycoon's Lavish A$24 Million Home in Australia

Court records have revealed the involvement of Kenyan man Adams Kipkosgei Bett in an arson case that took place in Sydney, Australia.

Bett, who was 19 when the arson happened, faces charges along with his former employer Steve Nassif for burning down a luxurious mansion valued at Sh2.3 billion (A$24 million) located by the harbour. Owned by a Chinese entrepreneur, the mansion was reported to have been generally vandalised to prevent the removal of forensic evidence. An article by News.com.au on Wednesday, February 14 reports how Kipkosgei may have been allegedly influenced by his co-accused who purportedly coerced him into committing the crime.

According to Kipkosgei's lawyer, the individual from Kenya had resided in Australia for just five months before the event took place. During this time, he had worked in the construction field and had previously collaborated with the second accused, who happened to be a developer, on a fencing project. Legal records suggest that Kipkosgei's sole focus had been on his job and he had no premeditated plans to engage in any unlawful actions. After the incident, the young man disclosed feeling downhearted.

In September 2022, Nassif approached Kipkosgei and inquired about his availability. They then proceeded to buy petrol and embarked on a journey towards the property. Reports indicate that the second accused gave Bett explicit instructions to set fire to the lavish mansion. Responding to the instruction, the teenager ignited the fire that engulfed the opulent residence by the harbour. According to court documents, the employer was seated in the car watching when the incident occurred, resulting in significant damage. It is worth noting that the fire was initially intended to be sparked a week earlier, but the teenager declined to carry out the act at that time.

Additionally, Kipkosgei received no money from Nassif for committing the crime. Nassif admitted to being friends with the owner of the burned house and that they had previously spent time together hunting. The Australian has been granted bail with his case scheduled for mention on February 22. In contrast, Kipkosgei has admitted his guilt for intentionally or negligently causing harm to someone's property. His sentencing is scheduled for March 26, and he could potentially receive a prison term of up to 10 years.