A joint intelligence-led operation involving detectives from Kilifi South and Nyali has led to the arrest of a suspected SIM-swap fraudster in Mtwapa, Kilifi county. The suspect, a woman, was apprehended while posing as a government official conducting SHA registration. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the operation followed a tip-off that a woman and two men had been moving through areas in Mwea, Machakos, Kitui, and Mwingi, deceiving members of the public.
The suspects allegedly used the fake registration to obtain information from unsuspecting members of the public, especially elderly people. This information was then used to facilitate SIM card swaps, allowing the suspects to access victims' mobile money accounts and other digital wallets. The suspects would transfer money from the affected accounts to accounts under their control. The DCI stated that the suspect was arrested in the Kwa Chief area of Mtwapa, and a Mazda car, which was being driven by the suspect, was detained for further examination.
During the search of the vehicle, several insurance certificates and two number plate casings were recovered. The DCI has appealed to the public for information about the suspect's accomplices and their whereabouts. The public has been warned against sharing sensitive information with strangers claiming to conduct registration exercises. Members of the public have been urged to remain cautious when approached by people claiming to conduct government registration exercises.
The DCI has advised the public not to surrender their phones, SIM card pins, passwords, or OTPs to strangers. The suspect's accomplice managed to escape during the operation and remains at large. The DCI has urged the public to report any information about the suspects' whereabouts through its #fichuakwa DCI platform.
The incident highlights the growing concern over SIM-swap fraud in Kenya. In recent years, there have been several reported cases of SIM-swap fraud, with victims losing millions of shillings. The authorities have been working to combat the crime, with several suspects being arrested and charged in court.
The SHA registration exercise is a government initiative aimed at registering citizens for the Social Health Insurance Fund. The exercise is being conducted by authorized personnel, and the public has been advised to only share their information with official government agents. The government has also been working to raise awareness about the dangers of SIM-swap fraud and the importance of protecting personal information.
The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The DCI has stated that the suspect will be charged in court once the investigations are complete. The incident serves as a reminder to the public to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with strangers who claim to be conducting government registration exercises.
Key points
- A suspected SIM-swap fraudster has been arrested in Mtwapa, Kilifi county, for allegedly conducting fake SHA registrations.
- The suspect and her accomplices allegedly used the fake registration to obtain information from unsuspecting members of the public, especially elderly people.
- The public has been warned against sharing sensitive information with strangers claiming to conduct registration exercises.
