Notorious M-Pesa fraudsters in the country arrested over 3,000 sim cards recovered

Three members of a notorious criminal gang that has been defrauding M-Pesa operators across the country have been arrested.

One of the suspects was arrested at Belbur village in Njoro on Friday night. He then led detectives to his accomplices in Juja, Kiambu County.

Nakuru Criminal Investigations Officer Michael Mwenze said the suspects were arrested following complaints of increased cases of M-Pesa fraud.

Through data analysis and mapping up on crimes, the detectives pounced on the first suspect in his house where he is believed to have been coordinating the crime.

At least 3,000 sim cards were recovered in the house.

Mwenze said while executing the crime, the gang approach M-Pesa agents as dealers in pretext of selling them sim cards, including other communication gadgets, on discount.

In the process they switch the agents M-Pesa phones before flushing their floats.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the gang has been getting identification numbers from a loan App (name withheld), and uses the same to illegally register acquired mobile phone sim cards,” said the investigating boss. He said the gang has also been conning unsuspecting mobile money holders.

The suspects were taken to DCI headquarters in Nairobi for interrogation.