Court detains four over Sh6M access bank digital heist

National Bank of Kenya branch in Nairobi.[File, Standard]

The Kericho Magistrates' Court has ordered the detention of four individuals implicated in a sophisticated banking fraud involving Access Bank for an additional seven days to allow for the completion of investigations.

Kericho Principal Magistrate Fredrick Nyakundi issued this ruling following a request from investigating officers for more time to gather evidence against Brian Kipkoech, Shaline Chepkoech, Elvis Kipkoech, and James Kimutai Chirchir.

Court documents indicate that the four suspects are accused of hacking into Access Bank's general ledger and fraudulently siphoning Sh6 million from branches in Lessos, Kericho, and Nakuru.

The bank, represented by Patrick Muturi from its Security and Investigations Department, reported the incident as a case of digital banking application fraud.

Part of the stolen funds has reportedly been traced to accounts connected to the suspects.

According to court documents, Shaline Chepkoech, who worked as a bank teller, allegedly provided the account details of Farida Chelangat Rongei and Alexander Kiboor to the fraudsters, facilitating the illicit transfer of the stolen funds.

The lead investigator in the case, Sergeant Anne Owino, submitted an affidavit requesting the continued detention of the suspects at Kisumu Police Station.

She cited the complexity of the case and the need to record statements from additional witnesses, as well as the requirement to conduct forensic analysis on the electronic devices recovered.

“This investigation is complex, and hence, the investigating officer will require more time to finalize statements from key witnesses at Access Bank.

Some devices recovered from the suspects have yet to undergo forensic examination,” Magistrate Nyakundi stated.

The case will be mentioned again after the seven-day detention period expires, as investigations continue.