Two suspects charged in connection with bank hacking

NAIROBI, KENYA: Two of the 130 suspects in connection with electronic fraud by hacking into commercial bank systems have been charged over loss of over Sh300million from Family and Chase Banks.

Martin Machere Karuri and Reuben Tum appeared before Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi and denied different several counts of stealing, electronic fraud, handling stolen properties and conspiracy to steal.

Machere was charged that on January 1, 2019 and January 20, 2019, jointly with others not before the court, he conspired to steal from Family Bank Sh294,800,003 million.

The court heard that on diverse dates between January 1, 2019 and January 20, 2019 at unknown place, he conspired with others to steal from Family Bank Sh294,800,003.

Machere, on the fourth count was accused of altering data in a Family Bank of Kenya core banking system by interfering with twenty-two clients prepaid card balances thereby causing loss of Sh 294,800,003.

He was also charged in another count with stealing Sh 5million from Family Bank on January 19, 2019 at unknown place within the country.

On the night of January 19, 2019 the court was also informed he dishonestly withdrew from his bank account Sh807,684 knowing that it was stolen money.

Tum was accused that on June 12, 2018 and July 8, 2018, he fraudulently altered data in a Chase Bank core banking system by interfering with 43 clients’ account balances causing loss of Sh12,504,000.

 He was charged with stealing Sh 156,000 from Chase Bank on July 8, 2018 at unknown place within the country.

On the second count, Tum is said to have withdrew Sh 105,000 through ATM and Mpesa on July 8, 2018 knowing it to be stolen.

He was also accused of conspiracy to steal Sh 12,504,000 from Chase Bank on diverse dates between June 1, 2018 and July 8, 2018.

Tum was accused that on June 12, 2018 and July 8, 2018, he fraudulently altered data in a Chase Bank core banking system and altering 43clients’s account balances causing loss of Sh 12,504,000.

Chase Bank has since changed name to SBM Kenya

The defense requested the court to release them on favorable terms.

Tum said he has cooperated well with investigation officers and that he has been taking care of his young family who resides in Nairobi.

Machere was released on Sh 1million cash bail or a bond of similar amount.

Tum was released on Sh 500,000 bond or a cash bail of Sh 300,000.

The matter will be heard on March 5,2019.