Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four suspects who are part of a cryptocurrency mining scam using sim cards in Kahawa.
In a statement, the directorate indicated that the suspects were arrested on Friday, February 16, after a joint operation with other police officers.
DCI stated that when the four were arrested, they were in possession of 1,336 sim cards including 1235 Safaricom cards, 80 Airtel cards and 21 Telkom cards.
Additionally, DCI officers found a tablet, laptop and eight mobile phones on the suspects.
“Four suspects implicated in a larger Ghash mining scam were arrested yesterday within Kahawa, following a joint operation by various units drawn from DCI Headquarters,” the statement read in part.
“Found on them upon search were 1336 sim cards, (Safaricom 1235, Airtel 80 and Telkom 21), a tablet, laptop and eight mobile phones. More suspects are being sought as the four pend arraignment on Monday.”
Further, DCI identified the four as Otieno Dismas Ongoro, Robin Mwika, Wycliff Otieno Olal and Michael Otieno Kaumba.
They were booked at Muthaiga and Pangani Police Stations after their arrest pending processing.
Also Read: DCI Arrests Notorious Mulot Sim Swap Gang Members
DCI Arrests Mullot Sim Cards Gang
The arrest came days after DCI arrested two suspected members of a sim swap gang. One of the suspects was arrested in Mulot while the other was arrested in Chepalungu area in Bomet County.
In addition, the statement indicated that one of the suspects was a 31-year-old male, while the other was a 22-year-old male.
“Two suspected members of an armed gang that has been the nightmare of Bomet, Kericho and Nakuru County residents have been arrested in an ongoing operation to weed out the criminal syndicate which is also notorious for electronic fraud.
“After arraignment for the charge, the suspects will also be processed by other stations where electronic fraud cases implicating them have been reported,” noted the directorate.
Also Read: DCI Arrest Daring Sim Swap Suspect
Hunt on Sim Swap Cons
The DCI has been actively pursuing members of the now infamous Mulot gang, many of whom are currently facing legal proceedings for different cyber-crime related activities.
On December 30, authorities apprehended David Mutai, also known as Hillary Langat Matindwet, the suspected leader of the Mulot sim swap gang, in Kericho Town near a local KCB bank, where he was reportedly planning another criminal operation.
The DCI reported that vigilant members of the public observed his presence and promptly informed the police stationed at the location, leading to his arrest.
Furthermore, the DCI highlighted that the gang leader’s identification resulted from thorough investigations conducted by detectives from the specialized Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau.