Eight arrested in Marsabit over alleged Ksh1.2 million M-Pesa SIM swap fraud

Eight people have been arrested in Marsabit County over an alleged SIM swap scam that investigators say led to the theft of more than Ksh.1.2 million from an M-Pesa agent.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were intercepted at the Merille Barrier in Marsabit South while travelling in a white Toyota Probox, following intelligence reports linking them to the alleged fraud.

Detectives believe the group targeted an M-Pesa outlet in Marsabit Town, where they allegedly masqueraded as customers before tricking the attendant into surrendering an M-Pesa SIM card.

Investigators say the SIM swap gave the suspects unauthorised access to the complainant's bank account, from which more than Ksh.1.2 million was fraudulently withdrawn.

The suspects, together with the vehicle they were travelling in, were taken to Marsabit Police Station, where they remain in custody as investigations continue.

Following the arrests, the DCI urged M-Pesa agents and members of the public to remain vigilant against SIM swap fraud.

The agency cautioned agents against handing over their SIM cards, mobile phones or M-Pesa handsets to customers under any circumstances, warning that fraudsters often operate in groups and use distractions to execute their schemes.

The DCI further advised agents to treat any customer insisting on handling their phone or making unusual requests as a potential warning sign and to exercise heightened caution during transactions.