DCI nabs 2 Iranians over Ksh15K mobile shop scam in Thika
By Kiprono Keileb, January 18, 2026Thika detectives have arrested two Iranian nationals following a theft incident that saw a local shopkeeper lose KSh 15,000.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) said the persons of interest had been operating a string of scams in the area, targeting unsuspecting business owners.
“Two Iranian nationals have been apprehended by Thika detectives following a stupefying incident that left an innocent Kenyan 15,000 shillings lighter,” the DCI statement said.
The persons of interest were caught after attempting to trick a shopkeeper under the guise of buying a mobile phone. The alert shopkeeper grew suspicious, linking them to a similar theft at a nearby shop the previous month.
“The duo, 56-year-old Heidari Mansoior Eslam and his 40-year-old accomplice, Babaei Ahmad Mirzaaga, had been weaving their web of deception in a local mobile shop. The sharp-eyed shopkeeper became suspicious when the pair pretended to be customers looking to purchase a phone. He suspected the two of being involved in a case of theft in a nearby shop just a month prior, which had the wheels turning in his mind,” the DCI added.
Acting quickly, the shopkeeper called a friend for backup. Upon arrival, the two were confronted and positively identified by another shop owner who had also been defrauded.
“Quick on his feet, the shopkeeper dialled up his buddy, who, upon arrival, confronted the duo. The other shopkeeper positively identified the two foreigners, as he was indeed a victim of their stupefying tactics, which had left him Ksh 15,000 poorer a month ago,” the statement said.
The incident drew attention from the public, who were ready to take matters into their own hands, but law enforcement intervened in time to prevent potential mob justice.
“The alarm was raised, and soon the public rallied to take matters into their own hands, eyeing the thieves with the fury of a lion protecting its cubs. Luckily, before chaos ensued, law enforcement swooped in to rescue the hapless foreigners from a potential mob injustice,” the DCI explained.
The two Iranians are currently in custody at Thika Police Station, awaiting processing and eventual court arraignment.
“Now, the foreigners find themselves cooling their heels at Thika Police Station, as they undergo the necessary processing ahead of their arraignment,” the DCI concluded.