Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mumias East have arrested two suspects believed to be behind a sophisticated M-Pesa fraud syndicate that has been operating in the region.
The suspects, identified as Jonathan Ambwaya Kwini, 30, and Timothy Siloche Wesonga, 23, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out on Thursday at Bomani Teachers’ Estate in Mumias town.
During the raid, investigators recovered a staggering cache of items allegedly used in the scheme.
Among the seized exhibits were a Safaricom Mobicom handset used for SIM card registration, four Itel mobile phones, 70 Airtel SIM cards, 24 Telkom SIM cards, and more than 5,000 Safaricom SIM cards.
In addition, detectives discovered 142 national identity cards registered under different names, raising concerns about the extent of the fraud network and the number of unsuspecting Kenyans whose details may have been compromised.
Authorities suspect the operation involved fraudulent SIM card registration and possible identity theft, with the intent of siphoning money from mobile money accounts.
Both Kwini and Wesonga were immediately escorted to Kakamega Police Station, where the recovered exhibits were booked as part of the ongoing investigations.
Police sources indicate the duo may face multiple charges, including fraudulent acquisition of SIM cards, identity theft, and conspiracy to defraud.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough for the DCI in tackling rising cases of mobile money fraud, which has left many Kenyans vulnerable to financial losses.
The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially cases involving unauthorized access to their personal details.
Investigations are still underway to establish the full scope of the syndicate and whether more individuals are involved in the elaborate scheme.
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