Detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, working jointly with the Operation Action Team, have arrested five suspects linked to a widespread fraud ring that has swept across multiple counties.
The suspects; Geoffrey Kasamani Chula (Munyaka, Eldoret), Stephen Mokaya Nyangoya (Kitale), Paul Nganga Kariuki (Eldoret-Hawaii), Teresia Muthoni Mwaniki (Eldoret-Kimumu), and Cedela Akoth Oruya (Kisumu)—were apprehended following a series of coordinated investigations into fraudulent withdrawals and float-cleaning scams targeting mobile money shops.
A Toyota Premio (Reg. No. KBW 441J), believed to be their operation vehicle, was intercepted and detained.
During a search, detectives recovered multiple SIM cards registered under different names and a number of assorted mobile phones, suspected to be tools of the trade.
The suspects are currently being held at Ruai Police Station, where one of the initial complaints was filed. Other police stations where similar incidents have been reported have been contacted as the probe widens to dismantle the entire network.
A Growing Concern
This latest arrest comes amid a sharp increase in cyber fraud cases across the country, with small businesses, mobile money agents, and individuals increasingly falling victim to digital scams.
Experts say the surge is being driven by loopholes in mobile registration, lax enforcement, and sophisticated digital tricks used to bypass security systems.
Authorities are urging mobile money operators to remain vigilant, verify customer identity thoroughly, and report suspicious activity immediately.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has vowed to continue cracking down on cybercrime rings as part of its broader effort to restore trust in Kenya’s rapidly growing digital financial ecosystem.
