Kirinyaga County authorities have arrested three foreign nationals after local residents raised alarms over suspicious activities in Mwea town.
The arrests follow a coordinated multi-agency operation targeting what police suspect is a sophisticated cyber fraud network.
The suspects, identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel, were detained in Mwaliko Estate, where authorities found multiple devices reportedly used in online scams.
Items recovered included 21 mobile phones, 79 SIM cards, a Dell laptop, and several bank credit cards, according to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Investigators said the trio claimed to operate an online business. However, checks revealed that their immigration documents had expired, and none held valid work permits, suggesting they were residing in Kenya illegally.
“The suspects are in custody as investigations continue to determine possible links to cross-border cybercrime networks,” the DCI confirmed in a Facebook statement.
Kenya has seen a rise in digital fraud, with the Central Bank of Kenya reporting that cybercrime cost the country billions annually in recent years.
Authorities have increasingly relied on public vigilance to detect suspicious activities, as seen in this case, where neighbors’ reports helped trigger the raid.
Local police officials say multi-agency collaboration is key in combating cybercrime.
The operation involved detectives working closely with immigration officers and other security agencies to ensure a swift response.
Residents have welcomed the arrests, emphasizing the role of community reporting in safeguarding neighborhoods.
The suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. Authorities are examining the recovered devices to map out the scope of the alleged fraud network and any connections beyond Kenya.