DCI detectives on Monday arrested three suspects linked to a fake “Jumia Shop KE” page used to defraud online shoppers.
The suspects allegedly conned a victim out of Sh105,000 through a deceptive Facebook marketplace scheme.
The agency warned of rising cyber fraud cases and urge the public to verify sellers before making payments online.
The arrests followed what authorities described as an intelligence-led operation triggered by a formal complaint from a victim who lost Sh105,000 on March 29, 2026.
The victim reported being duped after engaging with a fraudulent Facebook page that advertised household items at heavily discounted prices.
According to investigators, the page was designed to mimic a legitimate online marketplace, exploiting the credibility of established e-commerce brands to lure buyers.
After selecting an item, the victim contacted the sellers through a listed WhatsApp number and proceeded with the transaction.
“He transferred the full amount in good faith, but the promised delivery was never made,” the report states, highlighting a pattern commonly associated with online shopping scams.
Upon receiving the complaint, DCI detectives initiated a targeted operation to track down those behind the scheme.
Their investigation led them to an apartment in the OJ area of Ruiru, located along the Eastern Bypass, where the suspects were believed to be operating.
In a coordinated raid, officers apprehended three individuals suspected to be key players in the fraudulent network.
The arrests were made while the suspects were aboard a maroon Mazda Demio, registration number KDT 486Y.
The suspects have been identified as Samson Ondieki Omboga, Dionicious Omonyi Oirere, and Schwarz Migiro Otete.
They are currently in police custody as authorities prepare further processing and legal action against them.
The DCI described the operation as part of a broader effort to clamp down on cybercrime and protect members of the public from increasingly sophisticated online fraud schemes.
The DCI said such scams often rely on impersonation tactics, including the use of familiar brand names and attractive offers, to gain the trust of potential victims.
In this case, the fraudulent page used the name “Jumia Shop KE” to create the impression of legitimacy.
The use of discounted pricing further heightened its appeal, drawing in buyers who may not have verified the authenticity of the platform.
Authorities are now urging the public to exercise caution when conducting online transactions.
“Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when conducting online transactions,” the DCI said, warning against making payments to unverified accounts.
Consumers are also encouraged to verify the authenticity of sellers, particularly when dealing with social media platforms where oversight may be limited.
Investigators note that fraudsters often shift operations quickly, making vigilance a critical line of defence.