Detectives have arrested five suspects believed to be part of a criminal network defrauding M-PESA agents across multiple counties.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 21, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects were arrested following numerous complaints from mobile money shop attendants whose accounts were wiped clean using fraudulent methods.
The suspects were identified as Geoffrey Kasamani Chula, Stephen Mokaya Nyangoya, Paul Nganga Kariuki, Teresia Muthoni Mwaniki and Cedela Akoth Oruya.
"Following numerous complaints reported by mobile money shop attendants whose floats have been swept clean through fraudulent tricks by a notorious criminal ring operating across counties, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau detectives jointly with the Operation Action Team have today rounded up five suspects.
"Geoffrey Kasamani Chula (resident of Munyaka in Eldoret), Stephen Mokaya Nyangoya (resident of Kitale, Tiwani), Paul Nganga Kariuki of Eldoret-Hawaii, Teresia Muthoni Mwaniki of Eldoret-Kimumu and Cedela Akoth Oruya holder of Kibosi in Kisumu were arrested in the ongoing operation that targets a larger group in the web," the statement read.
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According to DCI, the suspects were intercepted while traveling in a Toyota Premio which has since been impounded by authorities.
During the arrest, detectives recovered multiple SIM cards registered under different names and several assorted mobile phones believed to have been used in the fraudulent schemes.
"The motor vehicle Reg. No KBW 441J make premio in which they were driving was also intercepted and detained, wherein several sim cards registered under different names and assorted mobile phones were also recovered," the statement further read.
The five individuals have been taken to Ruai Police Station, where one of the initial fraud reports had been filed.
Authorities have also reached out to other police stations where similar incidents have been reported.
