The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested three online scammers including a third-year student at Kisii University, who had stolen millions from unsuspecting Kenyans.
According to DCI, a total of 22 SIM Cards used in the fraud were recovered from the student who was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
In a statement on Monday, January 16, the DCI confirmed that the three were arrested following numerous complaints received from the public through the DCI Facebook page.
"Three men were arrested in Kisii for conning unsuspecting Kenyans millions by operating a fake online store."
“The suspects obtained millions of shillings from unsuspecting shoppers by impersonating a popular online shopping platform,” the statement from the DCI read in part.
According to the DCI, the three operated their con activities by advertising promotions of goods over the Christmas and New Year holidays, offering discounts on various household items.
Additionally, they promised free delivery services to their customers who could not pass on the deal.
“This happened to a victim in Mukothima, who made a payment of Ksh95,000 for a 7 seater recliner seat and a coffee table,” DCI added.
The suspects directed their clients to make payments before the delivery of goods, sending them an invoice online for confirmation of the purchase.
They would then block the clients awaiting delivery who would later realise that they had been conned after days of no communication.
AN information Technology expert suspected to be behind the con remained at large with an alert issued for their arrest.
The directorate urged Kenyans to be cautious while purchasing goods online to avoid falling victim to such scams.
“DCI urges members of the public to be cautious while purchasing goods online and take time to ascertain the credibility of online shops purporting to offer certain services,” DCI announced.
The suspects were arrested in Kisii town and later taken to Ruiru, Kiambu county awaiting further investigations.
