Mombasa detectives have arrested a woman and her partner in a sophisticated scheme that left a British national out of pocket by Sh800,000.
The pair are accused of staging a fake robbery after luring the man through an online romance.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on Tuesday that the suspects, Samira Mumbi Kiarie, popularly known as Samira, and Paul Webster Mangeni, also called Paulo, are believed to belong to a syndicate that preys on foreigners using dating websites and short-term rentals.
“Investigations have established that the two are part of a notorious syndicate that lures foreigners through dating sites, sets them up in Airbnbs, and robs them of their hard-earned money,” the statement read.
Police reports indicate that Samira had been in an online relationship with the British man for several months, promising love and a “dream date.” Trusting her, the man traveled to her upscale Nyali apartment, unaware of the trap awaiting him.
Moments after he arrived, two men stormed in. One claimed to be Samira’s enraged husband, while the other presented a counterfeit police identification card. The “husband” accused the victim of damaging his property, while the fake officer threatened arrest.
Under pressure, the man transferred Sh800,000 to mobile numbers supplied by the gang. Once the transaction was complete, the trio calmly escorted him out before vanishing into Mombasa’s night.
Acting on forensic intelligence, detectives quickly tracked down and arrested Samira and Paulo. Both are in custody, being processed ahead of their court appearance. Authorities are still searching for a third accomplice who remains at large.
The National Police Service has called on the public to provide information on the syndicate anonymously, either through #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
