A man accused of running a wide web of digital fraud has been arrested in Nakuru County after a long search led by detectives from Kilifi North. Bavon Onyancha Masese, who also goes by the names Abdirahaman Abdikarim and Jamie Damon, was traced after weeks of tracking his movements and online activity.
His arrest comes after a Kilifi woman reported losing Sh3.9 million in what investigators describe as a well-planned scam tied to illegal cryptocurrency dealings.
According to the investigators, Masese had built a pattern of online schemes that drew in unsuspecting victims through fake digital currency operations.
Officers said the arrest opened the lid on several transactions linked to him, revealing a chain of illegal financial activity carried out through multiple platforms.
Further probes connected him to questionable cryptocurrency exchanges and digital transfers believed to have been used to steal from people across the country.
“Further investigations linked Bavon to multiple digital transactions and unlawful cryptocurrency operations used to defraud victims across the country, leading to his prosecution at the Kilifi Law Courts,” said the statement.
Masese is expected to face a list of charges touching on both financial and digital crime.
Investigators confirmed that he will answer to cases of money laundering, fraud, unauthorised SIM card registration, obtaining money by false pretence, and conspiracy to defraud.
“Bavon will be facing several indictments related to his dubious activities, including money laundering, unauthorised registration of SIM cards, obtaining money by false pretence, and conspiracy to defraud,” authorities confirmed.
His arrest, officers said, is proof of the growing capacity of law enforcement to unmask online fraud networks. Detectives followed his digital footprint, linking him to repeated schemes that left several Kenyans counting losses.
Officials noted that the operation shows that those running online scams will eventually be held accountable. “This operation demonstrates that perpetrators of online scams and cryptocurrency fraud cannot operate with impunity,” officials said.
Authorities have used the arrest to urge Kenyans to be cautious when engaging in online financial deals, especially where digital currencies are involved.
The Director of Criminal Investigations appealed to the public to share any suspicious information through secure channels. “#FichuaKwaDCI. Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!”
The case now before the Kilifi Law Courts will dig into the full scale of the alleged fraud and determine the penalties Masese will face if found guilty.
Officials say the charges reflect the wider challenge the country faces as crime shifts to digital platforms, where scammers take advantage of gaps in regulation and public awareness.
Investigators added that this case forms part of a larger push to clean up the digital space, protect citizens, and restore trust in Kenya’s fast-growing online economy. The arrest is seen as a step forward in cracking down on criminals exploiting new technology for personal gain.
With Masese now in custody, prosecutors are preparing a detailed case that covers all aspects of his suspected operations.
The outcome, they say, could set an important example for future cases involving online fraud. Officials are urging Kenyans to remain alert, especially when dealing with digital money platforms, and to report any unusual activity without delay.
