A police inspector has been arrested as detectives investigate a gang accused of kidnapping and robbing a couple engaged in online business after luring them with a fake purchase in Nairobi.
The incident, which police say is part of a growing trend targeting online traders, began after the couple travelled to Baba Dogo at about 3pm on Thursday to deliver an Apple smartwatch to a customer who had allegedly placed an order through an online platform.
According to police, the couple arrived at the agreed meeting point expecting to complete the transaction before they were confronted by three men.
The suspects allegedly forced the pair into a waiting white Toyota Axio, where two other accomplices were already inside.
Investigators said the male victim was handcuffed as the gang drove the couple towards Thika Road while taking control of their valuables.
Police said the suspects first stopped at Shell Roasters along Thika Road and ordered the man to withdraw money. He managed to withdraw Sh17,000, but the gang rejected the amount and instead demanded Sh1 million.
The gang later drove to an Equity Bank branch in Githurai, where the male victim was instructed to withdraw more money while his wife remained inside the vehicle under the watch of the suspects.
Once inside the bank, the victim quietly alerted a bank teller about what was happening. The teller immediately informed police officers guarding the bank, who were joined by a nearby patrol team.
As officers responded, three of the suspects escaped on foot while the driver sped away with the female victim still inside the vehicle.
Police fired warning shots before managing to corner and arrest one suspect. During interrogation, detectives said the suspect admitted that five people had participated in the crime and identified the accomplices who managed to escape.
The suspect also told investigators that the getaway vehicle belonged to him, providing detectives with fresh leads as they widened the investigation.
Police are now investigating claims that two of the suspects involved in the incident may be serving police officers.
Officials confirmed that one police officer, an inspector attached to Drive Inn Police Station, has since been arrested as part of the ongoing investigations. The circumstances surrounding his alleged involvement are still under investigation.
According to police, the gang stole five mobile phones valued at about Sh120,000 and an Apple smartwatch worth about Sh2,500 during the ordeal.
The female victim was later released unharmed along Kamiti Road after the suspects fled from the police operation.
Detectives have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and recover the stolen property.
The latest case adds to a series of incidents in which criminals posing as genuine buyers target people selling goods through online platforms.
Police have been urging online traders to exercise caution when meeting potential customers and are continuing efforts to dismantle gangs behind such crimes.