Police in Mombasa have arrested a man in Nyali over allegations of defrauding a woman of Ksh.130,000 in a fake Airbnb accommodation deal. The suspect, identified as Nelson Okota Odhiambo, was apprehended by Nyali Sub-County detectives in Bamburi, following investigations into the online accommodation fraud. According to police, Odhiambo approached the victim with claims that he could secure her accommodation in Nyali.
The suspect reportedly received Ksh.130,000 from the victim but failed to provide the promised accommodation, leaving the woman stranded. Police say Odhiambo may have been targeting other travellers seeking accommodation along the Coast, with reported fraudulent activities extending to Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties. The arrest comes as the public prepares for the festive season, with police cautioning holidaymakers against falling victim to online accommodation scams.
The public has been urged to verify property listings and confirm the legitimacy of hosts before making payments, particularly when dealing with accommodation offers advertised online. This warning comes as a result of increasing online accommodation scams, with police working to crack down on those responsible. Odhiambo remains in police custody as he awaits his arraignment in court.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect's activities may be part of a larger scheme to target unsuspecting travellers. The DCI has been working to investigate and apprehend those responsible for such scams, with several arrests made in recent months. The police are urging anyone with information about such scams to come forward.
The festive season is a peak time for travel and accommodation bookings, and police are working to ensure that travellers are aware of the risks of online scams. In addition to verifying property listings and hosts, the public is advised to be cautious when making payments online and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Nelson Okota Odhiambo's arrest is a significant step in the fight against online accommodation scams, and police are working to bring those responsible to justice. The case will be taken to court, where Odhiambo will face charges related to fraud. The police are urging anyone who may have been affected by Odhiambo's activities to come forward and report their experiences.
The Nyali Sub-County detectives are continuing to investigate Odhiambo's activities, and police are working to identify any other potential victims. The arrest serves as a reminder to the public to be vigilant when dealing with online accommodation offers and to take steps to protect themselves from scams.
Key points
- The suspect, Nelson Okota Odhiambo, was arrested in Nyali, Mombasa, for defrauding a woman of Ksh.130,000 in a fake Airbnb accommodation deal.
- The police are urging the public to verify property listings and confirm the legitimacy of hosts before making payments online.
- The arrest comes as the public prepares for the festive season, with police cautioning holidaymakers against falling victim to online accommodation scams.
