The arrests took place at Mwaliko Estate in Ngurubani Town following a tip-off from alert members of the public who noticed suspicious late-night activities at a rented apartment.
The suspects, identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel, were taken into custody after police conducted a raid on Thursday.
During the operation, investigators recovered several items believed to be connected to their alleged fraudulent activities. These included 21 mobile phones, 79 SIM cards, a Dell laptop, and numerous credit cards issued by different banks.
The equipment suggested that the suspects were operating a sophisticated cyber fraud operation, which may have targeted multiple victims both locally and internationally.
Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander, Stephen Okal, said the arrests came after residents reported unusual movements and frequent late-night gatherings at the apartment.
“The members of the public played a crucial role in alerting the police about suspicious activities,” he noted.
The prompt reporting allowed officers to act quickly and prevent further potential fraud activities.
Investigations revealed that the three Nigerians claimed to be running an “online business.” However, further checks showed that they were in Kenya illegally.
Their entry permits had expired, and they did not have valid work permits. This discovery has added another layer to the investigation, as authorities are now looking into how they entered the country and whether there are other individuals involved in assisting them to evade immigration controls.
The suspects are currently held at Wang’uru Police Station while detectives continue to uncover the extent of their cyber fraud network.
Authorities are particularly interested in establishing whether the suspects have links to international cybercrime syndicates. Cross-border cyber fraud has become a growing concern in Kenya, with several cases reported in recent years involving foreigners targeting Kenyan citizens and institutions.
Cyber fraud, commonly referred to as “online scams,” involves criminals using digital tools such as computers, mobile phones, and internet networks to commit theft or deception.
These crimes can include phishing, identity theft, and unauthorized transactions, often resulting in significant financial losses for victims.
Authorities warn that such operations are increasingly sophisticated, requiring collaboration between local police, cybercrime units, and international agencies.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, particularly unusual gatherings, multiple mobile devices, or unknown persons operating online businesses without proper documentation.
Community involvement is crucial in identifying potential cybercriminals before they can cause significant harm.
Immigration authorities have also expressed concern over foreigners operating illegal businesses in the country.
In addition to committing cybercrime, individuals without valid permits pose security risks and undermine local economic regulations.
The government has intensified monitoring of foreign nationals to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws.
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