Police in Kenya have revealed that eight suspects linked to an M-Pesa fraud have been arrested following an intricate operation.
In a statement shared by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were arrested in Marsabit on July 4, 2026.
“Detectives have arrested eight suspects linked to a sophisticated SIM swap scheme that allegedly siphoned more than Ksh1.2 million from an M-Pesa operator in Marsabit,” DCI’s statement read.
“The suspects were intercepted at the Merille Barrier in Marsabit South while travelling in a white Toyota Probox, registration KDN 708Q, after detectives received information about their criminal acts.”
According to DCI, the suspects had deceived an M-Pesa operator before by swapping the SIM card.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the group posed as customers at an M-Pesa shop in Marsabit Town, where they are suspected of deceiving the operator before swapping the M-Pesa SIM card,” the statement added.
“The fraudulent SIM swap enabled unauthorised access to the complainant’s bank account, resulting in the theft of over KSh 1.2 million.”
The suspects
The DCI named the suspects and urged the M-Pesa shop owners not to hand their devices to strangers, especially those who come in large numbers, because that is a red flag.
“The suspects, Benrodgers Kyalo, Evans Mbweli, Patrick Vundi, Emily Mwende, Josephine Kasiva, Pius Mwenda, Alex Stima, and Jane Mueni, along with the vehicle, were escorted to Marsabit Police Station, where they remain in custody as detectives continue with investigations,” DCI added.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reminds M-Pesa agents and members of the public never to hand over their SIM cards, mobile phones, or M-Pesa handsets to customers under any circumstances.
Fraudsters often work in groups, creating distractions while executing their scheme. If a customer makes unusual requests or insists on handling your phone, treat it as a red flag.”
