The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three Nigerian nationals in Mwaliko Estate, Mwea, over alleged involvement in a cyber fraud syndicate. The arrests followed a tip-off from residents who reported suspicious late-night activities in the area.
According to the DCI, the suspects were apprehended after officers conducted a multi-agency raid last night, acting swiftly on public information. Residents reportedly raised alarms after noticing unusual movements, prompting law enforcement to investigate further.
During the raid, detectives recovered 21 mobile phones, 79 SIM cards, a laptop, and numerous credit cards from different banks. These items are commonly used in online scams and suggest the suspects were part of a coordinated fraud network.
“A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate within Mwea town has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring,” the DCI stated. “Alert members of the public raised the alarm over suspicious movements and late-night activities inside a rented apartment, prompting swift action by detectives.”
The Nigerians reportedly claimed they were operating an online business. However, investigations revealed that their entry permits had long expired, and they lacked valid work authorization, making their presence in Kenya illegal.
The suspects could face multiple charges, including computer fraud under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018. Additionally, possession of forged or stolen electronic data—including credit cards and multiple communication devices—carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment under Kenyan law.
Investigators are currently probing deeper into the network to trace potential links to cross-border cybercrime syndicates. The DCI emphasized the importance of public vigilance, noting that community alerts played a crucial role in dismantling the operation.
The arrests highlight the growing efforts by Kenyan authorities to combat cybercrime, protect residents, and prevent the country from becoming a hub for transnational fraud networks.
