DCI Seize 22 SIM Cards From University Student In Online Scam Syndicate

Three notorious suspects were arrested over the weekend by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives for obtaining money from unsuspecting members of the public, by operating fictitious online platforms purporting to sell goods. 

In a statement on Monday, January 16, Dickson Magembe, Dionicious Omonyi and Derrick Kodek were arrested in a swoop by detectives from the elite Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, following numerous complaints received from the public via the DCI Facebook and Twitter platforms. 

The trio are believed to have obtained millions of shillings from unsuspecting shoppers, by operating fake accounts imitating popular online stores. 

Through a fake Facebook page, the three ran a promotion over the Christmas and New Year period offering discounts of up to 40 per cent for various household goods, attracting unsuspecting shoppers in droves. 

A mobile money till number where cash deposits would be made before delivery of goods was provided and upon successful payment, an invoice would be sent via WhatsApp promising free delivery within 24 hours.

"That would mark the end of the correspondence as the eager clients would be blocked henceforth, leaving them disappointed and with heavy losses to bear.

"This happened to a victim in Mukothima, Tharaka North Sub County, who made a payment of Ksh95,000 for a 7 seater recliner seat and a coffee table," stated the DCI in part.

This is after an offer was made on the fake Facebook page announcing a 40 per cent discount on recliner seats and other household items. 

"Tens of other Kenyans who found the deals too good to think twice fell for the trap hook line and sinker, after hurriedly making orders before getting thoroughly disappointed later," added the DCI.

A total of 22 SIM Cards used in the fraud were recovered from the first suspect, a 3rd-year student at Kisii University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. 

The suspect was arrested in the Canaan area of Kisii town and later led detectives to his two other accomplices in Ruiru, Kiambu county.

Meanwhile, the mastermind of the fraud identified as Swarzzenegar Otete, an Information Technology wizard is currently on the run with sleuths issuing an alert for his arrest.

DCI urged members of the public to be cautious while purchasing goods online and take time to ascertain the credibility of online shops purporting to offer certain services.

A person using a smartphone. /FILE