Police have arrested a suspect and recovered over 1,500 cartons of milk following a fraud scheme that cost a Mombasa-based distributor more than Ksh1.8 million.
In a statement on Sunday, July 20, the National Police Service (NPS) said the arrest was made on Saturday, July 19, after officers launched an investigation into suspicious orders placed by a man identified as Geoffrey Gema Waweru.
According to NPS, Waweru allegedly duped a milk distribution company using fake M-Pesa messages.
The agency said the case began when an employee of the distributor raised the alarm.
"Agnes Waraba, Sales and Marketing Officer at Mayford Investment’s Mombasa Depot, reported the scam after noticing suspicious orders from a new client, Geoffrey Gema Waweru. Between 5 and 18 July, Waweru placed multiple large orders for milk stock totalling Ksh1,855,400," the statement read.
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Waweru reportedly claimed he had paid for the deliveries via mobile money but used forged text messages to support his claims.
"Waweru claimed payment via M-Pesa, sending edited SMS payment confirmations from an Airtel number that did not match the company’s actual transaction records," the statement added.
According to NPS, the fraudulent activities prompted the company to coordinate with law enforcement with a sting operation set in motion on Saturday.
"On 19 July, Mayford Investment coordinated with police after scheduling a final delivery of 150 cartons of milk to Mtopanga, Kadzandani. Officers trailed the delivery truck and arrested Susan Mawiya upon receipt of the consignment," the statement further read.
During the operation, the suspect, Susan Mawiya, was immediately taken into custody and later helped investigators recover a massive portion of the stolen goods.
Officers were led to two single-room houses, where they found 1,555 cartons of milk valued at Ksh960,232, hidden away; part of the stolen stock from the fraudulent purchases.
The NPS confirmed that the investigation is still active and that the hunt for the main suspect and possible accomplices is ongoing.
"An investigation is underway to locate Geoffrey Gema Waweru and identify other suspects linked to the fraudulent procurement scheme," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, on the same day, police in Kitui Central made another arrest in connection to drug possession.
"The suspect was found in possession of 40 rolls of cannabis sativa and is currently in police custody. He is expected to be charged in court on Monday, 21 July 2025," NPS said.
The arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public in Kunda Kindu, demonstrating the crucial role of citizen cooperation in tackling drug-related crime.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to combatting drug trafficking across the country.
"The National Police Service remains steadfast in its fight against the trafficking, possession, and abuse of narcotics and other illicit substances.
"The Service will continue working closely with the public and other government agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks and bring perpetrators to justice," NPS added.
