Eight suspects are in police custody over an alleged SIM swap scheme that reportedly stole more than Ksh1.2 million from an M-Pesa shop operator in Marsabit.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrests on Saturday, July 4. Detectives intercepted the suspects at the Merille Barrier in Marsabit South as they attempted to leave the area.
Suspects Posed as Customers
According to the DCI, investigators acted on intelligence before stopping a white Toyota Probox, registration KDN 708Q, carrying the suspects.
“Detectives have arrested eight suspects linked to a sophisticated SIM swap scheme that allegedly siphoned more than Ksh1.2 million from an M-Pesa operator in Marsabit,” the agency said.
Preliminary investigations indicate the group visited an M-Pesa shop in Marsabit Town while posing as genuine customers. Detectives believe they tricked the operator before swapping the M-Pesa SIM card.
Fraudsters Accessed Bank Account
Investigators said the SIM swap gave the suspects unauthorised access to the complainant’s bank account.
The suspects allegedly transferred and withdrew more than Ksh1.2 million before fleeing.
“The fraudulent SIM swap enabled unauthorised access to the complainant’s bank account, resulting in the theft of over Ksh1.2 million,” the DCI stated.
Eight Suspects in Custody
Police identified the suspects as Benrodgers Kyalo, Evans Mbweli, Patrick Vundi, Emily Mwende, Josephine Kasiva, Pius Mwenda, Alex Stima and Jane Mueni.
Detectives escorted the suspects and the vehicle to Marsabit Police Station. The eight remain in custody as investigators continue gathering evidence into the alleged fraud scheme.
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