Crime sceneA suspected SIM-swap fraudster who allegedly targeted members of the public while pretending to conduct Social Health Authority (SHA) registration has been arrested in Mtwapa Kilifi county.
The suspect was arrested during a joint intelligence- led operation involving detectives from Kilifi South and Nyali.
DCI said the operation followed information that a woman and two men had been moving through areas in Mwea Machakos, Kitui and Mwingi while posing as government officials conducting SHA registration.
The suspects allegedly used the fake registration to obtain information from unsuspecting members of the public, especially elderly people.
Detectives said the information was then allegedly used to facilitate SIM card swaps, allowing the suspects to access victims' mobile money accounts and other digital wallets.
The suspects would allegedly transfer money from the affected accounts to accounts under their control.
Detectives later laid an ambush in the kwa chief area of Mtwapa, where the suspect was arrested.
"At the time of her arrest, the woman was driving a Mazda car, which was detained for further examination. However, her suspected accomplice managed to escape during the operation and remains at large," DCI said in a statement.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of several insurance certificates and two number plate casings.
The DCI has appealed to the members of the public who may have information about the suspects whereabouts to report through its #fichuakwa DCI platform.
The public has also been warned against sharing sensitive information with strangers claiming to conduct registration exercises.
Members of the public have been urged to remain cautious when approached by people claiming to conduct government registration exercise.
"They should not surrender their phones, SIM card pins pass wars or OTPs to strangers," DCI said.
