Eight persons of interest have been arrested in connection with a SIM swap fraud scheme that siphoned more than Ksh1.2 million from an M-Pesa operator in Marsabit County.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the persons of interest were intercepted at the Merille Barrier in Marsabit South while traveling in a white Toyota Probox after detectives received intelligence linking them to the fraud.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the group posed as customers at an M-Pesa shop in Marsabit Town, where they deceived the operator before swapping the M-Pesa SIM card.

“The fraudulent SIM swap enabled unauthorised access to the complainant’s Bank account, resulting in the theft of over Ksh 1.2 million,” DCI stated.

Where they were taken

The directorate stated that they were escorted, together with the vehicle, to Marsabit Police Station, where they remain in custody pending the completion of investigations.

Following the arrests, the DCI cautioned M-Pesa agents and members of the public against handing over their SIM cards, mobile phones or M-Pesa handsets to customers under any circumstances.

“Fraudsters often work in groups, creating distractions while executing their scheme. If a customer makes unusual requests or insists on handling your phone, treat it as a red flag,” DCI said.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reminds M-Pesa agents and members of the public never to hand over their SIM cards, mobile phones or M-Pesa handsets to customers under any circumstances.”

The DCI further urged members of the public to report suspected fraud and other criminal activities through its toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000, assuring callers that reports can be made anonymously.

“FichuaKwaDCI. Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!” DCI noted.