DCI Uncovers Caller ID Spoofing Syndicate That Swindled Millions Through Phone Scams
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismantled a six-member cybercrime syndicate that used advanced caller ID spoofing technology to defraud unsuspecting victims of millions of shillings through deceptive phone calls.
In a statement released by the DCI, the suspects were arrested during a coordinated security operation in Nyali, Mombasa County. The group had been operating out of an Airbnb apartment, which they had converted into both a training hub and a command center for their fraudulent activities.
“Six cybercrime suspects implicated in a series of serious fraud cases using caller ID spoofing technology have been arrested in a security operation conducted in Nyali, Mombasa County,” the DCI stated.
According to investigators, the suspects used a spoofing application to impersonate customer service agents from reputable banks and telecommunications companies. By manipulating caller ID information, the fraudsters created the illusion that they were contacting victims from official call centers, inducing panic and urgency to extract sensitive personal and financial information.
One of the suspects, believed to be the mastermind of the operation, reportedly supplied spoofing services to other notorious fraud groups, including the infamous ‘Mulot Swappers.’ He allegedly made phone calls while posing as a bank or telco representative, gaining the trust of victims who would then unknowingly authorize massive fund transfers.
The DCI further revealed that the spoofing software used by the group was not only highly sought after but also extremely expensive. The suspects allegedly paid Ksh500,000 to purchase, configure, and obtain an IP address to run the software.
During the raid, detectives recovered 19 mobile phones, numerous SIM cards and holders, and a notebook believed to contain details of potential targets. These items are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
The six suspects were arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, June 3. They are currently being held at the Capitol Hill Police Station pending the court’s ruling, which is expected tomorrow.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain cautious and avoid sharing personal information over the phone, especially when contacted unexpectedly.
