Arrest illustration/FILEPolice have arrested five suspects in a coordinated crackdown targeting a notorious mobile banking fraud network operating within Mulot town.
The early-morning operation, conducted at the busy Mulot market, led to the arrest of five suspects who are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects are undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment, where they are expected to face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, engaging in organised crime, and acquiring proceeds of crime.
The DCI said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle digital fraud syndicates that have been preying on mobile banking users across the country, often siphoning funds through SIM swaps, phishing, and unauthorised account access.
“This operation underscores our commitment to tackling digital fraud and protecting Kenyans from cybercriminals,” DCI said.
The DCI has urged Kenyans to continue providing information anonymously through the Fichua Kwa DCI platform or via their toll-free number.
While Mulot is known for its economic activity, it has also gained notoriety for being a location where mobile money fraud occurs.
In August, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government has effectively dismantled the notorious Mulot SIM-swap syndicate, long associated with mobile money fraud in parts of Bomet and Narok counties.
Murkomen said numerous arrests have been made as a result of sustained operations against the network.
He attributed the success to public awareness campaigns and close cooperation between residents, law enforcement officers, and the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs).
“I’m happy that from where we were two years ago, thanks to national and local sensitisation, many people have now become aware of the dangers of fraudulent characters using mobile phones to scam innocent citizens, particularly women. Women are the most trusting lot and in the process become victims of these scammers,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS added that the crackdown on SIM-swap fraud will continue, with the government working closely with mobile service providers to tighten security systems and close loopholes exploited by criminals.
A report released on December 4 by ESET Africa has warned that cybercrime, mostly phishing scams, SIM-swap fraud, and social engineering attacks, is set to rise.
According to the report, phishing scams disguised as holiday promotions, SIM-swap fraud targeting high-balance accounts, and social engineering attacks that exploit the urgency and goodwill of the season put millions of users at risk of financial loss.
“Trust in mobile money doesn’t happen instantly – it’s built one safe transaction at a time,” says Allan Juma, Cybersecurity Engineer at ESET Africa.
“But a single fraud incident can shatter that trust overnight. When someone gets scammed, they often stop using mobile money altogether and warn friends and family to do the same, creating a ripple effect that stalls progress for everyone.
