SIM swap scam uncovered involving OCS’s phone line as DCI probes syndicate
DCI Inspector Moses Adeli told the court on Tuesday that the number linked to Taalam had been fraudulently accessed and remained in use even after the officer was taken into custody.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has uncovered a suspected SIM swap operation involving a mobile number registered to Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Samson Taalam.
DCI Inspector Moses Adeli, testifying at the Milimani Magistrate Court on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, revealed that the number linked to Taalam had been fraudulently accessed and remained in use even after the officer was taken into custody.
Inspector Adeli told the court that the OCS was arrested and detained at Lang’ata on June 15, where his mobile phone and SIM card were secured.
However, investigators later discovered that a SIM replacement request was initiated on June 16 just a day after his detention—through a third-party service provider in a separate location.
“Forensic analysis confirms the SIM was reactivated on a different device,” Adeli said, adding that the number's associated IMEI codes had been altered at least three times—an indication that individuals were attempting to mask the device’s identity and avoid detection.
The officer further disclosed that the original phone and SIM card had been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as exhibits.
Still, the mobile line remained active across multiple devices and locations suggesting unauthorized access and deliberate tampering.
“This continued activity despite the phone being in evidence storage points to possible criminal interference,” said Adeli.
In a related development, detectives arrested a suspect linked to the SIM swap and presented him in court on Monday under a miscellaneous application.
Prosecutors secured approval to detain the suspect for seven days as investigations continue. The case is set for mention next Monday.
During the arrest, DCI officers recovered three mobile phones, 29 used SIM cards, and 13 new SIM cards from the suspect. The recovered items are expected to undergo forensic analysis to establish their connection to the illegal activity.
Prosecutors say investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the scheme.
