MWEA, KIRINYAGA – Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three Nigerian nationals in connection with a suspected sophisticated cyber fraud ring operating out of a rented apartment in Mwea, Kirinyaga County. The raid, conducted on the evening of Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Mwaliko Estate, has exposed the presence of what authorities believe to be a well-coordinated international criminal enterprise preying on unsuspecting Kenyans.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the DCI confirmed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel. The multi-agency operation was triggered by a tip-off from vigilant members of the public who reported suspicious late-night activities and unusual movements at the suspects' residence.

Upon raiding the apartment, investigators discovered a significant cache of electronic equipment considered to be the tools of the cybercrime trade. The haul included 21 mobile phones, 79 SIM cards from various service providers, a Dell laptop, and a large number of credit cards issued by different banks. According to the DCI, this evidence points towards a "well-oiled fraud network" likely involved in a range of illicit activities, from financial scams to identity theft.

Immigration Status and Widening Investigation

Preliminary investigations have revealed a crucial aspect of the case: all three suspects are in Kenya illegally. The DCI reported that the entry passes for the trio, who claimed to be engaged in an "online business," had long expired, and none possessed valid work permits. This has added another layer to the investigation, with detectives now working to understand how the individuals were able to operate undetected for an extended period.

The suspects are currently in police custody as the investigation expands. Detectives are analyzing the recovered devices to trace potential links to broader cross-border cybercrime syndicates that may have accomplices both within Kenya and internationally. The focus is on dismantling the entire network and identifying other potential cells operating in the country.

Kenya's Escalating Battle with Cybercrime

This high-profile arrest comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a dramatic surge in cyber threats. According to a report from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the country recorded a staggering 2.54 billion cyber threat incidents between January and March 2025, a 201.7% increase from the final quarter of 2024. This alarming trend underscores the significant economic and security risks facing Kenya's rapidly growing digital economy.

Financial fraud remains a primary concern. A recent survey by TransUnion conducted between November and December 2024 revealed that 82% of Kenyans reported being targeted by various forms of online, email, or phone fraud, with smishing (fraudulent text messages) and phishing (fraudulent emails) being the most common tactics. The median amount lost by victims of such scams in Kenya was reported to be KSh 116,108.

In response, Kenya has been strengthening its legal framework. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018 provides the legal basis for prosecuting such offenses. Furthermore, the government enacted the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act in October 2025, which introduced significantly tougher penalties, including fines of up to KSh 20 million and imprisonment for up to ten years for offenses like cyber harassment. These laws empower authorities to tackle crimes ranging from unauthorized access and identity theft to the possession of stolen electronic data.

Regional Cooperation and Public Vigilance

The involvement of foreign nationals in this case highlights the transnational nature of modern cybercrime, necessitating robust international cooperation. Efforts to foster collaboration between Kenya and Nigeria in combating cyber threats are ongoing, with initiatives like the Africa Cyber Programme aiming to enhance prosecution capabilities and raise cybersecurity awareness in both nations. However, the Mwea arrests demonstrate that significant challenges remain in preventing and disrupting these international networks.

Authorities have commended the residents of Mwaliko Estate for their vigilance, emphasizing that public awareness and prompt reporting are critical tools in the fight against cybercrime. As detectives continue to unravel the extent of this alleged fraud ring, the case serves as a stark reminder for the Kenyan public of the persistent and evolving threat of digital scams and the importance of safeguarding personal and financial information.