Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with a sophisticated SIM swap fraud scheme that allegedly stole more than Sh1.2 million from an M-Pesa agent in Marsabit County, in yet another case highlighting the growing threat of mobile money fraud in Kenya.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, detectives intercepted the eight suspects at the Merille Barrier in Marsabit South while they were travelling in a white Toyota Probox, registration number KDN 708Q, following intelligence linking them to the crime.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects posed as customers at an M-Pesa shop in Marsabit Town, where they allegedly deceived the operator into surrendering an M-Pesa SIM card. Once the SIM card was swapped, the suspects are believed to have gained unauthorized access to the victim’s linked bank account, fraudulently withdrawing more than KSh 1.2 million.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Benrodgers Kyalo, Evans Mbweli, Patrick Vundi, Emily Mwende, Josephine Kasiva, Pius Mwenda, Alex Stima and Jane Mueni.
They, together with the vehicle used during the operation, were escorted to Marsabit Police Station, where they remain in custody as detectives continue with investigations ahead of possible prosecution.
The DCI has urged M-Pesa agents and members of the public to remain vigilant against SIM swap fraud, warning that criminals often operate in coordinated groups to distract their victims. The agency advised agents never to hand over their SIM cards, mobile phones or M-Pesa handsets to customers under any circumstances.
Authorities further cautioned that any customer making unusual requests or insisting on handling an agent’s phone should immediately be treated as a potential fraudster and reported to the police.
The latest arrest comes as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle organized cybercrime and mobile money fraud syndicates targeting businesses and unsuspecting Kenyans across the country.
