The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects in connection to an online scam.
According to the DCI, the individuals were creating fraudulent social media accounts and impersonating senior government officials to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans.
The fake profiles are then used to lure victims into giving money or personal information under false pretences by tech-savvy individuals.
“A varsity student and his accomplice were arrested at the Tuuti and Namachanja areas of Bungoma County, respectively. The investigation established one suspect has been opening numerous accounts, which he then sells to other persons after training them on how to run the scamming venture,” DCI stated.
Additionally, once the account is set up, their next step is reaching out to unsuspecting Kenyans with a series of false promises ranging from job opportunities to government tenders asking for monetary favors in return.
“In the case presented in court, one suspect has been impersonating the PS interior, Dr. Raymond Omollo”, DCI added.
The authorities further disclosed that not only did the two suspects engage in cybercrimes but also formed a part of a large syndicate comprising trainees who took over numerous false accounts.
However, the two suspects were released on a cash bail of Ksh 35,000 each.
The case will be mentioned again on April 28, 2025.
