Arrest in Nyali Exposes Sophisticated Dating Fraud Operation

NAIROBI – Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, arrested two members of a suspected criminal syndicate in Nyali, Mombasa, that specializes in luring foreigners into fraudulent romantic relationships before robbing them. The arrests followed an incident where a British national was extorted of KSh 800,000.

According to a DCI report issued the same day, a Mombasa-based woman, identified as Samira Mumbi Kiarie, had cultivated an online relationship with the victim over several months. After convincing him to visit her apartment in Nyali for a “dream date,” the trap was sprung. Shortly after the man’s arrival, two male accomplices stormed the residence. One posed as the woman’s enraged husband, while the other brandished a fake police identification card, accusing the foreigner of “wrecking his home.”

Under duress, the victim was coerced into transferring KSh 800,000 to mobile money accounts provided by the assailants. Following the transfer, he was escorted out of the building, and the suspects disappeared. The victim subsequently reported the matter to the DCI. Forensic intelligence led detectives to arrest Ms. Kiarie and one of her accomplices, Paul Webster Mangeni. A manhunt is currently underway for the third suspect.

A Pattern of Deception: The Wider Threat to Kenya’s Reputation

The DCI has established that the suspects are part of a larger, well-organized criminal enterprise that systematically targets foreign nationals through online dating platforms. Their modus operandi involves renting high-end apartments or Airbnbs in areas frequented by tourists, such as Nyali, to create a facade of legitimacy and safety before executing their extortion schemes.

This incident is not isolated but is indicative of a broader pattern of financial scams prevalent in Kenya, often referred to by the slang term “wash wash.” These schemes range from fake gold and currency rackets to elaborate online fraud, and frequently target foreigners who are perceived to be wealthy. The DCI has issued numerous public warnings about various fraudulent schemes, including those involving cryptocurrency and pyramid investment schemes, urging citizens to conduct due diligence before investing money.

The prevalence of these scams poses a significant threat to Kenya's international reputation as a safe tourist and investment destination. Governments of Western nations have taken note. The U.S. Department of State explicitly warns its citizens that “Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Kenya,” initiated through dating apps and unsolicited emails. Similarly, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises its nationals of the high risk of crime, including kidnapping, and directs them to resources for fraud victims. UK-based advisory services like Action Fraud Claims Advice have been established specifically to assist British victims of Kenyan romance scams, highlighting the scale of the problem internationally.

Legal Framework and Official Response

Under Kenyan law, such crimes are treated with severity. The actions of the Nyali syndicate fall under the offense of “obtaining money by false pretences,” which is codified in Section 313 of the Penal Code (Cap 63). This offense, which involves intentionally deceiving a person to unlawfully obtain their property, carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. The prosecution must prove there was a false representation, an intent to defraud, and that money or property was obtained as a result of the deception.

The DCI continues to lead the crackdown on these transnational crimes. In June 2024, DCI Director Mohamed Amin noted that collaboration with international partners like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was helping Kenyan authorities tackle financial fraud, leading to numerous prosecutions. He acknowledged that such scams, particularly those involving fake gold, had forced some syndicates to relocate to neighbouring countries.

The DCI encourages anyone with information on similar crimes to report it anonymously through their toll-free hotline, 0800 722 203, as part of the #FichuaKwaDCI campaign, to help dismantle these criminal networks and safeguard Kenya's security and economic integrity.