Detectives in Nairobi have arrested a father and his son in connection with a Sh236,000 scam targeting a mobile money agent at Gikomba market, in what police say is part of a growing syndicate preying on M-Pesa operators.
The pair, identified as 49-year-old Peter Mwendwa Musyoka and his 23-year-old son Dennis Musyoka, were tracked down to their hideout in Komarock’s Nyama Villa estate following extensive investigations.
In a statement released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, authorities said the arrests followed detailed digital forensics conducted by Shauri Moyo detectives, which traced electronic footprints linking the duo directly to the September 2 fraud incident.
During the operation, police recovered a range of items believed to have been used in the scheme, including laptops, smartphones, multiple SIM cards, both used and unused, several ID cards, and agent and paybill numbers linked to Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom.
According to the DCI, Peter Mwendwa is thought to be the mastermind behind the scheme, grooming his son into the illicit trade, with both allegedly conning unsuspecting mobile money operators in Nairobi.
“The suspects form part of a broader network that has been targeting mobile money agents across Nairobi,” the DCI said in its official statement.
Both suspects are currently in custody undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment, while detectives continue tracking other members of the syndicate. “Both suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment, as detectives pursue other members of the syndicate,” the statement read.
The arrests come amid a spike in M-Pesa-related fraud cases in Nairobi, with police warning that syndicates are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Authorities have urged mobile money agents and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.