Detectives have rescued five women who were allegedly being held and forced to produce sexually explicit online content after being lured with promises of lucrative jobs in Nairobi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers from its Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) arrested three suspects during a raid Embakasi East Constituency, following intelligence-led investigations.
According to the DCI, the five women were allegedly found confined in two bedrooms inside a residential house, where preliminary investigations indicate they were being exploited to create online sexual content for commercial purposes.
"The victims were lured with promises of lucrative employment opportunities but were instead forced to produce online sexual content for commercial exploitation," the DCI said in a statement.
Police arrested a 43-year-old woman, who is alleged to be the owner of the premises and the principal suspect.
Also arrested were a 24-year-old, the daughter of the main suspect, who investigators believe recruited the victims, and her 30-year-old husband, who is suspected to have maintained the computer systems allegedly used in the operation.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of several items believed to have facilitated the suspected exploitation.
The items were documented as exhibits for investigations.
The three suspects were taken to Kasarani Police Station, where they remain in custody pending processing and arraignment.
They are expected to face charges of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1)(d) as read together with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010, alongside other related offences.
DCI said arrangements had been made to place the rescued women in safe accommodation, where they will receive psychosocial support, medical care and other rehabilitation services before reintegration into society.
The agency warned that criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting job seekers through fake employment offers, particularly those advertised online, before exploiting victims for financial gain.
It urged members of the public to verify employment opportunities before accepting offers and to remain vigilant against recruiters making unrealistic promises of well-paying jobs.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle human trafficking and cyber-enabled exploitation networks operating within the country.
The DCI appealed to the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking and related crimes through its toll-free reporting line or WhatsApp platform, assuring informants of confidentiality.
Authorities said investigations are continuing to establish whether additional victims were exploited through the network and whether the suspects had links to other trafficking syndicates operating locally or internationally.
