Kilimani detectives have arrested two fraudsters who were posing as cryptocurrency experts and swindled a Chinese national out of KSh6.5 million in a fake digital currency exchange deal.

The suspects, Benson Macharia and Robinson Okwemo Nyandoro, were apprehended following a swift investigation by law enforcement.

The fraudulent scheme unfolded at Rose Gardens, Kileleshwa, where the unsuspecting victim handed over KSh6.5 million, believing the duo would facilitate a seamless cryptocurrency exchange.

In a dramatic turn of events, Nyandoro, carrying the cash in a bag, slipped away through a back door under the pretense of completing the transaction. Meanwhile, Macharia stayed behind, reassuring the victim that the process was underway but was experiencing delays due to network issues.

As time passed and no confirmation of the exchange materialized, the victim realized he had been conned and rushed to Kileleshwa Police Station to report the incident. Detectives launched an immediate investigation and, using forensic leads, tracked down Macharia.

He was arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera on February 25, 2025. During the court proceedings, Macharia pleaded not guilty and was released on a KSh1 million bail with a surety of the same amount.

The hunt for Nyandoro continued, and on February 27, 2025, detectives cornered him at The Hub Karen. With no escape, he led officers to his residence at KMA Estate, Lang’ata, where Ksh 500,000—believed to be part of the stolen money—was recovered. Nyandoro was presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera today, where he also pleaded not guilty. He will remain in custody at Industrial Area Prison pending the determination of his bond terms on March 4, 2025.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in cryptocurrency transactions and to verify the credibility of individuals offering such services. Stay vigilant—if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!