By Bonface Mulyungi

A suspected SIM-swap fraudster has been arrested for allegedly siphoning Ksh.450,500 from an unsuspecting victim’s M-Pesa account.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the probe into the matter revealed that the victim had travelled to the United States of America on January 2019 and retained her mobile line to transact money back home.

She however returned home in 2024 and found her account with only Ksh.18 and the said amount had disappeared.

“The SIM functioned normally until May 24, 2024, when all cellular and M-Pesa services ceased. When she returned to Kenya in December 2024, she discovered that her SIM card had been swapped without her consent,” DCI noted.

A probe revealed that the Ksh.450,500 was transferred in two transactions to a number registered under the name of Oscar Livondo.

A manhunt was launched leading to Livondo’s arrest in Ngumba Estate. Officers also found two mobile phones and six SIM card holders.

The suspect will remain in police custody awaiting arraignment.