Detectives from Kilifi South and Nyali have arrested a suspected SIM-swap fraudster accused of targeting members of the public, particularly the elderly, under the guise of conducting Social Health Authority (SHA) registration.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Phyllis Njagi, was arrested during a joint intelligence-led operation at Kwa Chief in Mtwapa, following reports that a group of three individuals had been posing as government employees conducting SHA registration.
According to detectives, the suspects had been operating in Mwea, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi and other areas, where they allegedly exploited the registration exercise to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims.
The information was reportedly used to facilitate SIM-card swaps, enabling the suspects to gain access to victims’ mobile money accounts and other digital wallets before transferring funds to accounts under their control.
Njagi was arrested while driving a Mazda CX-5, registration number KDT 012M, which was impounded for further examination.
However, her suspected accomplice, John Mutesa Mango, escaped during the operation and remains at large.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five insurance certificates bearing registration number KDT 012M, two duplicate insurance certificates for motor vehicle KDP 019N, three insurance certificates for motor vehicle KDS 150J, and two number-plate casings.
Detectives are appealing to members of the public to assist in identifying and tracing Mango, whose photograph has been released alongside that of the arrested suspect, Phyllis Njagi.
Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant when approached by individuals claiming to be government officials conducting SHA registration and to exercise caution when sharing personal and mobile registration details.
