A 37-year-old woman, Phyllis Njagi, has been arrested by detectives from Kilifi South and Nyali for allegedly posing as a Social Health Authority (SHA) registration worker. The suspect targeted unsuspecting members of the public, particularly elderly people, while posing as government employees conducting SHA registration. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Njagi and her accomplice used the information to swap victims' SIM cards and gain access to their mobile money accounts and other digital wallets.
According to the DCI, Njagi and her alleged accomplice, John Mutesa Mango, moved through various areas, including Mwea, Machakos, Kitui, and Mwingi, while posing as government employees conducting the registration exercise. The suspects allegedly used the information to transfer money from the victims' accounts to accounts under their control. The DCI said the suspects were targeting vulnerable members of the public, particularly the elderly.
Detectives arrested Njagi during an operation in the Kwa Chief area of Mtwapa, Kilifi County, after laying an ambush. Njagi was driving a Mazda CX-5, registration number KDT 012M, when detectives arrested her. The vehicle was detained for further examination. Her alleged accomplice, John Mutesa Mango, escaped during the operation and remained at large.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five insurance certificates bearing registration number KDT 012M, two duplicate insurance certificates for motor vehicle KDP 019N, and three insurance certificates for motor vehicle KDS 150J. Detectives also recovered two number-plate casings. Njagi remained in custody as detectives continued investigations and efforts to trace Mango.
The DCI said the joint intelligence-led operation was successful due to the cooperation of members of the public who provided information about the suspects' activities. The DCI urged members of the public to be cautious when providing personal details to individuals claiming to be conducting SHA registration. The public was advised to verify the identity of such individuals before providing any information.
SHA registration is a government-led exercise aimed at registering citizens for the Social Health Insurance Fund. The fund provides health insurance coverage to citizens. The government has been conducting the registration exercise across the country, and citizens have been advised to participate. However, the DCI warned that some individuals may use the registration exercise as an opportunity to scam unsuspecting citizens.
The DCI is continuing investigations into the matter and efforts to trace the suspect's accomplice. The public has been urged to provide any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect's accomplice. The case highlights the need for citizens to be vigilant and cautious when providing personal details to individuals claiming to be government employees.
Key points
- A 37-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly posing as a Social Health Authority registration worker to obtain personal details from members of the public in a suspected SIM-swap fraud scheme.
- The suspects allegedly used the information to swap victims' SIM cards and gain access to their mobile money accounts and other digital wallets.
- The DCI is continuing investigations into the matter and efforts to trace the suspect's accomplice.
