In a carefully planned security operation in Nyali, Mombasa county, six individuals believed to be involved in a series of fraudulent activities using sophisticated caller ID manipulation have been apprehended.
The group is suspected of orchestrating theft that enabled them to electronically siphon millions from their victims.
The operation, launched on May 31 following a tip-off, targeted suspects who allegedly used a specialised call spoofing application.
The software allowed them to disguise their phone numbers, making it appear as though calls were coming from legitimate customer service centers of banks and telecommunications companies.
In a statement, the DCI said this deception created a sense of urgency and panic, prompting victims to disclose sensitive personal information.
One key figure in the group, described by authorities as the mastermind, reportedly controlled the application and leased its use to others involved in the scandal.
“The app was in high demand among fraudsters who paid over Sh500,000 to acquire, configure, and gain access through a dedicated IP address,” explained a law enforcement official familiar with the case.
The suspects had established a base at an Airbnb residence along 1st Avenue in Nyali, which had been converted into a workspace and training center for their operations.
During the raid, police seized 19 mobile phones, numerous SIM cards from various network providers including Uganda’s MTN, as well as a ledger containing records of potential victims.
On June 3, the accused appeared at Kahawa Law Courts, where the presiding magistrate granted a request for custodial orders to facilitate further investigation.
The suspects remain in custody at Capitol Hill police station pending the next court hearing scheduled for June 6.
Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they may have been targeted to come forward and liaise with local police stations or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for guidance on subsequent steps.
by EMMANUEL WANJALA
