The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested two suspected criminal gang members in Teso South, Busia County, and recovered 180 National Identification Cards bearing different names, a tear gas canister, and other items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
In a statement on August 20, the DCI said it arrested two suspects, identified as Francis Okoside, alias Franco, and Douglas Barasa, alias Dady Okangu, during an operation to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
DCI stated that after the arrests, detectives searched Okoside’s residence in the presence of his family members and recovered the 180 National Identification Cards.
“The extensive search revealed 180 National Identification Cards bearing different names, prompting investigators to probe how the vital documents came into the suspect’s possession and whether they were being used, or intended for use, in criminal activities,” stated the DCI.
DCI Probes Source of 180 IDs
The DCI said the recovery had prompted investigators to establish how the vital documents came into the suspect’s possession and whether they were being used, or intended for use, in criminal activities.
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Besides the identification cards, detectives recovered a tear gas canister, a heavy metal rod and eight metal bars suspected to have been used for house-breaking.
The search also led to the recovery of two pairs of military boots and five mobile phones, among other incriminating items.
The DCI said investigators secured all recovered items as exhibits as the investigation continues.
The two suspects remain in custody as detectives process the case ahead of their arraignment.
Investigators are also pursuing additional leads to establish the full scope of the suspected criminal activities and identify other individuals who may be part of the alleged criminal network.
“The operation is ongoing, with detectives actively pursuing additional leads to unearth the full scope of the suspects’ criminal endeavors and identify other individuals who may be part of the suspected criminal network,” said the DCI.
14 Arrested in Nakuru Cybercrime Sting
The DCI also reported the arrest of 14 suspects in Nakuru in an operation targeting a suspected cybercrime network.
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In a statement on August 20, the DCI said detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU), together with officers from Nakuru Police Station, raided a room in the Pangani area of Nakuru Township where the suspects were allegedly conducting online scams.
According to the DCI, detectives recovered 25 mobile phones, 16 SIM card plates and 10 SIM cards during the operation.
Investigations established that the suspects had allegedly created fake websites, including Zain Coach, Harmain Coach and Habesh Coach, which were used to lure unsuspecting travelers seeking to purchase bus tickets online.
The DCI said victims were allegedly tricked into making payments through the fake platforms, after which they lost their money.
The 14 suspects were arrested and remain in custody as they undergo processing pending arraignment. The seized phones, SIM card plates, and SIM cards have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue.
The DCI said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks and protect members of the public from emerging forms of crime, including cyber-enabled fraud.
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