Kenyan Detectives Bust Cyber Fraud Ring: Three Nigerian Nationals Nabbed in Kirinyaga Raid.

 In a swift operation underscoring Kenya's crackdown on transnational cybercrime, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested three Nigerian nationals on November 12, 2025, in Mwaliko Estate, Ngurubani Town, Mwea East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County. The raid, triggered by public tips on suspicious late-night activities, exposed an alleged cyber fraud network targeting unsuspecting victims, both locally and internationally.The arrests unfolded late on November 12 following alerts from vigilant residents about unusual movements in a rented apartment. A multi-agency team, including DCI officers and immigration authorities, stormed the hideout in Mwihoko village (also referred to as Mwaliko Estate), catching the suspects red-handed. Kirinyaga County Criminal Investigations Officer Justus Imana confirmed the operation was intelligence-led, aimed at dismantling networks exploiting digital platforms for scams like phishing, romance fraud, and investment cons.The suspects—identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel—were reportedly in Kenya illegally, with expired or forged visas, compounding their cyber fraud charges with immigration violations. They are aged between 28 and 35 and had been operating from the low-key estate for several months, blending into the community while allegedly defrauding victims of thousands of dollars through online schemes.Seizures: A Glimpse into the Fraud Factory

The raid yielded a trove of incriminating evidence, painting a picture of a sophisticated setup:

Item Recovered	Description/Quantity	Potential Use in Fraud
Laptops & Smartphones	5 laptops, 8 smartphones	Executing scams, phishing attacks, and virtual communications
SIM Cards	Over 50 unregistered SIMs (local and international)	Creating fake identities for calls and messages
Fake Documents	Passports, IDs, and work permits	Forgery for identity theft and evading detection
Electronics	Routers, power banks, and data storage drives	Supporting encrypted networks and data exfiltration
Cash & Wallets	KSh 150,000 (approx. $1,150 USD) in mixed currencies	Proceeds from scams or operational funds

These items, per DCI statements, were linked to a broader syndicate potentially scamming Kenyans and foreigners via apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and dating sites. The suspects remain in custody at Kutus Police Station as investigations continue, with forensics teams analyzing devices for victim traces and international ties.Rising Tide of Cybercrime in Kenya's HeartlandKirinyaga, an agricultural hub in central Kenya, has seen a surge in cyber fraud cases, with Mwea—a rice-producing area—emerging as an unlikely hotspot due to its proximity to urban centers like Embu and affordable rentals for hideouts. This bust follows a pattern: In October 2025, similar raids in Nairobi netted four West Africans for "Yahoo Yahoo" schemes, highlighting how foreign networks exploit Kenya's growing digital economy.DCI Director Mohamed Amin praised public vigilance, urging citizens to report odd behaviors like frequent device swaps or isolation. "Cyber fraud knows no borders, but neither does our resolve," he stated, vowing deeper probes into accomplices. The case also spotlights immigration gaps, with calls for stricter visa checks on high-risk nationalities.As the trio faces charges in court—expected next week—this raid sends a clear message: Kenya's not a safe haven for digital crooks. Have you encountered online scams? Share your story below—knowledge is our best defense.