Coordinated police operation leads to charges against couple accused of exploiting minors online
Detectives in Mombasa have arrested two suspects in a coordinated operation targeting the exploitation and online solicitation of minors, highlighting the growing threat of digital crimes against children.
The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) worked together with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Changamwe, to carry out the arrests following intelligence reports about suspected child exploitation activities.
The operation centered on a case involving a 41-year-old woman who allegedly used a dating site to exploit her three children, aged 13, 7, and 4. According to preliminary investigations, the woman was generating income by sharing sexually explicit content involving the minors and arranging meetings with individuals in exchange for money.
The investigation revealed disturbing details about the alleged exploitation. The woman is accused of using digital platforms to monetize the abuse of her own children, creating and distributing illegal content for financial gain.
Further inquiries indicated that the woman’s 52-year-old husband may have sexually abused their eldest daughter since she was 11 years old, adding another layer of severity to the case.
“The swift apprehension of the suspects was aided by forensic leads,” a statement from the DCI confirmed. The use of forensic evidence highlights the sophisticated investigative techniques being employed to combat online child exploitation.
Both suspects have since been arraigned at the Mombasa Law Courts, where they face charges related to child exploitation and abuse.
The legal proceedings have begun for both suspects, though their cases are being handled differently. The 41-year-old woman was granted a bond of Sh1 million with two sureties of the same amount, allowing her temporary release pending trial.
Her husband remains in custody at Shanzu Prison, with a bond ruling scheduled for July 15, 2025. This suggests the court may view his case as requiring continued detention during the legal process.
Written by Joyce Nzomo
