Shop Attendants Raise Alarm Over Fraudsters Linked To Mulot SIM Swap Gang

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based in Thika, Kiambu County have arrested a notorious SIM swap fraudster believed to be linked to the infamous Mulot SIM swap syndicate.

In a statement, the DCI revealed that the swindler was arrested right in the act after presenting himself to a local telecom shop for sim replacement services.

The suspect was using a forged ID waiting card and a police abstract form purportedly issued by Central Police Station-Nairobi.

Documents including ID cards obtained from the arrested SIM swap fraudsters on September 28, 2023. /DCI

"Upon interrogation, Emmanuel Kiprono led detectives to a house in Zimmerman where a mobile phone used for SIM registration, assorted SIM replacement cards, forged police abstract forms and waiting cards bearing different names, a mobile money till number application booklet, several ID cards among other items were recovered," stated the DCI.

DCI added that his arrest follows a similar one where his comrade in crime, Everline Alulu Kimani was arrested on September 19, 2023 and arraigned.

She was also arrested after presenting herself to a local telco shop while seeking similar services as those of Kiprono and using forged documents with the sole intention of stealing from her victims' mobile money wallets.

Paper writings bearing confidential customer information were recovered from her house in Komarock-Nairobi. 

"Kiprono and Alulu are believed to be a detachment of the infamous Mulot team who target individuals with large mobile money balances and once they take over the victims' phone numbers, they are able to drain off their accounts," added the DCI.

The detectives thanked the keen-eyed agile telco attendants who alerted the police of the suspicious characters.

"DCI invites members of the public to partner with us in bringing crime to its knees. Meanwhile, a manhunt for several accomplices who have since been named is ongoing," concluded the DCI.

On December 30, 2022, DCI arrested the mastermind of the Mulot syndicate, David Mutai alias Hillary Langat Matindwet, after going on the run for several days prior to his arrest by officers on bank duties at a local bank in Kericho.

Mutai was spotted by members of the public in the town who went after him.