DCI Arrests 5 in Sophisticated M-PESA Fraud Ring Sweeping Across Kenya

By The Star Digital Reporter

May 21, 2025

Five Suspects Nabbed Over MPESA Scam Targeting Agents

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested five individuals believed to be part of an organized criminal syndicate defrauding M-PESA agents across different counties in Kenya.

Acting on multiple complaints from mobile money shop attendants, DCI detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, alongside the Operations Action Team, intercepted the suspects on Wednesday, May 21.

Who Are the Arrested Suspects?

The arrested suspects are:

• Geoffrey Kasamani Chula (Eldoret – Munyaka)
• Stephen Mokaya Nyangoya (Kitale – Tiwani)
• Paul Nganga Kariuki (Eldoret – Hawaii)
• Teresia Muthoni Mwaniki (Eldoret – Kimumu)
• Cedela Akoth Oruya (Kibosi – Kisumu)

Fraud Tools Recovered: Phones and Multiple SIM Cards

The suspects were traveling in a Toyota Premio with registration number KBW 441J, which was impounded. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of numerous SIM cards registered under different identities and several mobile phones suspected to have been used in the MPESA fraud scheme.

File image of one of the suspects arrested over MPESA fraud | Courtesy: DCI Kenya

Police Crack Down on Digital Fraud Targeting Mobile Money Platforms

The five were taken to Ruai Police Station, where one of the earliest fraud reports was logged. The DCI is now extending investigations to other counties where similar M-PESA fraud incidents have been reported, signaling the start of a broader clampdown on digital financial crimes in Kenya.

More Arrests Expected as Probe Deepens

Authorities believe the arrested suspects are part of a larger network targeting M-PESA agents through highly coordinated scams. Investigations are ongoing, with more arrests expected in the coming days.

Related: Equity Bank Fires 200 Over M-PESA, Payroll Scandal