The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has issued a public warning about a group known as 'Masharp Boys/Girls', who pose as wealthy online investors to deceive Kenyans into financial schemes. The DCI described the group's tactics, which include fake forex trading dashboards, crypto scams, phishing links, and deepfakes. This warning was published through the DCI's official Twitter account on September 26, 2026.
According to the DCI, the 'Masharp Boys/Girls' sustain their public image through social media displays of luxury, including premium cognac, Belair Rosé, shisha, cash stacks, and hired luxury vehicles. They also post about international travel and weekends at upscale Nairobi venues to project an image of extraordinary wealth. The directorate warned that behind this carefully constructed image lies a range of criminal activity, including online scams, identity fraud, and fake trading dashboards.
The DCI noted that victims of these schemes often drag others into the same traps. The group uses language such as "smart money" or "arbitrage" to dress up their schemes, but they are in reality forms of social engineering designed to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The directorate urged Kenyans to be cautious and report suspicious activity.
The warning comes after the DCI arrested two women linked to Quant Vest Stock Exchange (QVSE), also known as Global Investment Group, over allegations of operating an unlicensed pyramid scheme. Ruth Mueni Kimeu and Mary Katuma Mwangangi were arraigned at the Kilimani Chief Magistrate's Court on September 23, 2026, where they denied charges of running an unlicensed collective investment scheme and fraudulently inducing the public to trade in securities.
Investigators alleged that the QVSE scheme relied on recruiting new members to generate bonuses, while funds collected from investors were converted into virtual assets and transferred to unidentified recipients. The DCI and Capital Markets Authority (CMA) have urged Kenyans to verify the licensing status of investment firms and avoid schemes promising unusually high or quick returns.
The DCI concluded its message by reminding Kenyans that the directorate remains vigilant and urged the public to report suspicious activity. The directorate stated that "Kenya is safe when you are safe. DCI is watching," in its post. This message was framed in conversational Sheng to reach a wider audience.
The DCI's warning highlights the need for Kenyans to be cautious when dealing with online investment schemes. The directorate's efforts aim to prevent more people from falling victim to these scams and to bring those responsible to justice. Key investment firms' licensing status can be verified through regulatory bodies such as the CMA.
Key points
- The DCI has warned Kenyans about 'Masharp Boys/Girls' using social media to lure victims into financial scams.
- The group uses fake forex trading dashboards, crypto scams, phishing links, and deepfakes to deceive victims.
- The DCI urges Kenyans to verify the licensing status of investment firms and avoid schemes promising unusually high or quick returns.
