The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has alerted the public to a sharp rise in violent muggings orchestrated through popular dating applications, where victims are lured by fake profiles and ambushed.
There have been more than ten such cases reported since October, prompting the DCI to issue a safety advisory and establish a dedicated hotline for reports.
In a recent case in Nyali, a suspect identified as Samira Mumbi Kiarie was arrested in connection with a staged robbery that saw a victim lose Sh800,000.
The mode of operation involves criminals creating convincing fake profiles to cultivate a sense of trust and romance before convincing their targets to meet at private or secluded locations, where accomplices then rob and sometimes assault them.
The DCI warned, “Criminals are cultivating false trust through these apps before orchestrating violent robberies. We urge users to verify profiles and meet in public spaces.” One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as a “traumatic betrayal,” a sentiment echoed by others, particularly foreigners who are often targeted.
This trend is part of a wider 30 per cent increase in cyber-facilitated crimes in Kenya in 2025, with coastal hotspots like Nyali seeing a notable impact.
The involvement of female perpetrators in several cases is seen as unusual and is believed to further lull victims into a false sense of security.
The economic ramifications are significant, with estimated losses surpassing Sh2 million and a potential dip in tourism as word spreads. Dating app companies have reiterated their safety guidelines, encouraging users to report suspicious profiles.
This surge is pushing law enforcement and community groups to advocate for greater digital literacy, amid fears that a failure to curb these crimes could fundamentally erode trust in digital social platforms.
Written by Were Kelly
