DCI arrests 7 fraudsters targeting M-Pesa customers

Sim cards, mobile phones, and M-Pesa registers that were seized by DCI sleuths. [Courtesy]

Two ladies are among the seven suspected M-Pesa fraudsters arrested by sleuths from the office of Directorate of Criminal Investigations yesterday.

The Kiambu-based ring popularly known as ‘Mulot Team’ is linked to illegal sim and M-Pesa float swap.

The seven are 23-year old Victor Rono, Mercy Chepkirui (21), Nicholas Kipkurui (25), Wesley Kiprono (28), Robert Kibet (23) Faith Chepkorir (23) and Felix Tanui (24).

They were arrested in two separate houses at Kabete in Kiambu County where over 200 sim cards, numerous mobile phones, and M-Pesa registers were seized.

The seven suspects are also accused of defrauding Kenyans through fake M-Pesa messages where they make reversal claims in the pretext of sending cash to the wrong number.

Police said further investigations were ongoing on the case.

In March 2018, three people were separately charged in an Eldoret court for stealing over Sh100, 000 from M-Pesa accounts of unsuspecting individuals.

One of the accused pleaded guilty to the fraud charges was sentenced to a one-year imprisonment.