Four suspects have been arrested after a man lost Ksh 251,000 in a scam involving fake government officials.
In a statement on 31 October, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects had been caught impersonating officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
"A daring quartet of con artists masquerading as officials from the Social Health Authority (SHA) has been apprehended after swindling a victim of Ksh251,000 in a well-choreographed scam," part of the statement reads.
The four were arrested after tricking a man into handing over money. They used fake SHA IDs and branded clothes to impersonate SHA employees.
According to the DCI, the suspects were arrested after a man reported being tricked while attempting to register as a SHA member.
The criminals convinced the victim to hand over his mobile phone to help complete the registration process.
Soon after, the victim’s phone stopped working. When he went to his SACCO, he received devastating news - all of the money in his account, Ksh251,000, had disappeared.
According to a report by the DCI, the stolen money had been sent to a phone number linked to the arrested suspects.
Police officers from Marimanti responded and launched an operation in which the four suspects were arrested. They are awaiting arraignment.
During the search, the police found SHA-branded T-shirts, name tags, membership cards, informational leaflets, and multiple SIM cards.
The police also seized a Toyota Prado, which they believe the group used for their crimes, and even found another number plate.
Detectives said that they are investigating to find other people who might be involved, as well as other victims who may have fallen prey to the scam.
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