In a dramatic turn of events, six suspected fraudsters believed to be part of the infamous ‘Mulot swappers’ syndicate have been arrested in Nyali, Mombasa, after allegedly siphoning off millions of shillings from unsuspecting Kenyans.
The suspects were cornered in a multi-agency operation following months of digital trail tracking. Police say the group is linked to a sophisticated SIM swap fraud operation—infamously known as the “Mulot syndicate”—that has rocked the country’s financial sector.
Authorities revealed that the swappers had been impersonating mobile service providers and customer care agents to deceive victims into revealing personal information. Once they had access, the criminals would swap SIM cards and gain control of mobile banking accounts. By the time their victims realized, their bank accounts had been drained.
“The suspects used stolen identity data to bypass security systems,” a senior investigator told reporters. “They operated in coordination with insiders and targeted high-value individuals, including government officials and businesspeople.”
Police recovered multiple SIM cards, smartphones, fake identification documents, and financial transaction records during the raid. Digital forensics experts are now analyzing the evidence to trace stolen funds and identify more accomplices.
The term “Mulot” originates from a town in Bomet County, long considered the breeding ground for mobile money fraudsters. This latest bust highlights how the syndicate has spread far beyond its origins and adapted its tactics.
Kenyans have been urged to stay vigilant and avoid sharing personal data over the phone, even when calls appear to be from legitimate sources.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face multiple charges including identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to financial systems.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has promised more arrests as the net tightens on cybercrime cartels.
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