In a significant breakthrough in the fight against mobile money fraud, detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, working in conjunction with the Operation Action Team, have arrested five suspects believed to be part of a widespread criminal ring targeting M-Pesa agents across multiple counties.
The suspects — Geoffrey Kasamani Chula (resident of Munyaka, Eldoret), Stephen Mokaya Nyangoya (Kitale, Tiwani), Paul Nganga Kariuki (Eldoret-Hawaii), Teresia Muthoni Mwaniki (Eldoret-Kimumu), and Cedela Akoth Oruya (Kibosi, Kisumu) — were apprehended during a coordinated operation that has been tracking the syndicate for weeks.
Authorities say the group has been using sophisticated deception tactics to defraud mobile money shop attendants, often wiping out entire float balances before vanishing.
A Toyota Premio with registration number KBW 441J, which the suspects were using at the time of arrest, was intercepted and impounded. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of multiple SIM cards registered under different names and a number of assorted mobile phones believed to be used in the illicit scheme.
The suspects have been taken to Ruai Police Station, where one of the initial complaints had been lodged. Police say they have reached out to other stations that reported similar incidents as investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the fraud network.
"This arrest marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks preying on hard-working Kenyans," a senior investigator involved in the operation stated. "We urge mobile money operators to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately."
Police have assured the public that the crackdown will continue in full force until all members of the syndicate are brought to justice.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
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