A suspect believed to be the mastermind behind a sophisticated scam that saw a foreign tourist lose over Ksh3.6 million during a visit to the Maasai Mara has been arrested.
The suspect preyed on the victim, a Greek national, who arrived in Nairobi on August 5, intending to experience Kenya's famous wildlife scene.
According to a report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the victim departed for Maasai Mara accompanied by his official tour guide and a man he had met online and made acquaintances with.
Once inside the park, the acquaintance suspiciously vanished, making away with the tourist's three debit cards, a mobile phone and a wristwatch.
Soon after his disappearance, the suspect made withdrawals totaling approximately Ksh3.6 million (€25,000) from the tourist's bank account.
An investigation was immediately launched, with detectives quickly uncovering that the suspect, who introduced himself to the tourist as “Jeremiah John”, was using an alias.
Forensic analysis and tracking led authorities to uncover the real individual behind the fake name, and he was soon cornered in his hideout.
During the sting operation, detectives recovered several items believed to have been acquired using the funds stolen from the tourist, including mobile phones, a swanky Seiko Crystal wristwatch and a brand-new touring trek bicycle.
Also in the suspect's possession was Ksh54,050 in cash and an undisclosed amount in US dollars.
The suspect is currently being held at the Central Police Station, pending arraignment.
The latest incident came barely two days after another Kenyan was arrested following a scam targeting a Canadian national.
Investigators from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) say the suspect played a central role in a fake gold export deal that defrauded the foreign investor of USD 618,000 – equivalent to around Ksh80.34 million.
Investigators from the DCI report that the suspect lured the investor into a fake gold export deal involving 250 kilograms of gold, which was allegedly set to be shipped to Dubai by private jet.
