Police in Mombasa have arrested three suspects for allegedly stealing Ksh2.5 million from two Russian nationals.
“Mutegi Mbeti, Dickson Otwera Tunya, and Humphrey Nyairo Nyachwaya, posed as short-term property attendants pretending to offer Airbnb services,” police reported.
The suspects appeared in court, where DCI detectives were allowed to detain them for three days to complete their investigation.
“They were apprehended at a rental facility in Badar House, Kisauni, where they had been hiding,” police added.
The suspects were arrested following a Sunday robbery incident when they brandished weapons while demanding Ksh2.5 million from the foreign nationals.
“On January 19, 2025, the suspects tricked the victims at Bamburi by posing as Airbnb hosts,” police said.
The victims were forced to transfer 1,986,410 Russian Rubles and surrender cash in various currencies.
Detectives later found that the suspects run an online dating scam with overseas accomplices, transferring stolen funds to foreign bank accounts.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin said, “A team of detectives is investigating these cases.”
“Suspects are using various methods to con unsuspecting clients. We are using technology to solve these cases,” he added.
In addition to the robbery incidents, Amin said detectives are investigating complaints of online fraud by sellers who take deposits for goods like furniture but don’t deliver.
“The sellers vanish and become abusive before continuing their cons,” police said.
These fraudulent sellers mostly operate on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
