DCI nab 2 in M-Pesa fraud, seize 5,000 Safaricom SIM cards
By Steve Ireri, September 26, 2025The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested two persons of interest in Mumias East in connection with a series of M-Pesa fraud schemes that have been on the rise in the area.
In a post on X on Friday, September 26, 2025, DCI said that the arrests form part of a coordinated, intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing financial crime and safeguarding mobile money transactions.
According to them, officers acted on crucial intelligence that led them to a residential complex in Bomani Teachers’ Estate, Mumias town, where the men were believed to be operating. The operation resulted in the apprehension of the two persons of interest and the recovery of significant evidence pointing to the scale of their activities.
The arrest comes after Safaricom’s latest M-Pesa upgrade.
“In a move to curb the rise of financial crime, law enforcement officers in Mumias East have arrested two key suspects involved in a series of M-Pesa fraud schemes in the area. The fraudsters were taken into custody during an intelligence-led operation in Bomani Teachers’ Estate of Mumias town,” DCI wrote.
DCI noted that among the recovered items were multiple mobile phones, including a Safaricom Mobicom phone used for SIM card registration, four Itel small phones, 70 Airtel SIM cards, 24 Telkom SIM cards, and over 5,000 Safaricom SIM cards.
Also watch: DCI unmask Mulot SIM swap syndicate leader.
In addition, officers seized 142 national identification cards belonging to various individuals, highlighting the extent of the suspects’ fraudulent operations.
“The arrests today demonstrate the commitment of the DCI to dismantle networks engaged in mobile money fraud,” the DCI said, adding that the recovered evidence will be crucial in ongoing investigations and in ensuring that those involved are held accountable.
The persons of interest have been escorted to Kakamega police station, along with all recovered items, and are expected to appear in court on Monday.
The DCI revealed that the operation is part of broader efforts to crack down on financial crimes in the region, warning that similar criminal activities will be met with swift enforcement action.
“Both Kwini and Wesonga have since been escorted, along with the incriminating evidence, to Kakamega police station. They are set to join a roster of other suspects and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday,” DCI said.
