Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have dismantled a three-man cyber fraud syndicate in Meru, accused of orchestrating SIM-swap scams that drained money from unsuspecting Kenyans.

According to a statement by the Directorate on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the three persons of interest were arrested following a coordinated operation involving officers from DCI headquarters and their Meru counterparts.

“A team of detectives drawn from DCI Headquarters, in collaboration with their Meru-based counterparts, has dismantled a notorious three-man cyber fraud syndicate that has been hacking into emails, swapping SIM cards and bleeding Kenyans’ bank accounts dry,” DCI stated.

The DCI stated that forensic leads traced the trio to their hideout, where they were apprehended.

According to the DCI, a search conducted at the premises yielded equipment believed to have been used in the illegal operation, including eight mobile phones, 39 SIM cards, 42 SIM card plates, and a laptop.

They noted that the persons of interest hacked into victims’ email accounts before executing SIM swaps to gain access to mobile banking platforms, enabling them to siphon funds.

“A meticulous search of their house led to the recovery of a haul of tools used to facilitate their underground trade: 8 assorted mobile phones, 39 SIM Cards, 42 SIM Card Plates and a Laptop,” DCI stated.

The persons of interest are currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment.

The Directorate has stressed its commitment to cracking down on cybercrime, warning individuals involved in digital fraud that they will be pursued and brought to justice.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) remain relentless in the pursuit of digital mercenaries who use technology to prey on hardworking Kenyans,” the Directorate noted.