DCI arrests suspected sim-swap fraudster posing as SHA registration agent
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the suspect, 37-year-old Phyllis Njagi, was arrested during a joint intelligence-led operation by detectives from Kilifi South and Nyali.
In a recent operation in Kenya, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has apprehended a 37-year-old woman, Phyllis Njagi, suspected of engaging in SIM-swap fraud. The fraudster allegedly posed as a Social Health Authority (SHA) registration agent, targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, across various regions including Mwea, Machakos, Kitui, and Mwingi.
The DCI's operation was prompted by intelligence suggesting a group of individuals, comprising a woman and two men, had been moving through these areas under the guise of SHA registration officials. Their modus operandi involved extracting personal information from unsuspecting victims, which was subsequently used to infiltrate victims' mobile money accounts and other digital wallets.
The stolen funds were allegedly transferred to accounts controlled by the suspects. During the arrest, Njagi was found driving a Mazda CX-5, registration number KDT 012M, which has been seized for further examination. However, her alleged accomplice, John Mango, managed to evade capture and is currently at large. The DCI has called upon the public to aid in locating Mango by providing any information that could aid in his identification and apprehension.
The search of Njagi's vehicle yielded several insurance certificates, duplicate insurance certificates, and number-plate casings, all linked to the same vehicle. Ongoing investigations aim to ascertain the extent of the alleged fraud network and identify any additional individuals involved. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when sharing personal details during registration processes and to verify the identity of any person claiming to be a government official. The accusations against the suspects have not yet been adjudicated in a court of law.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
