Two Arrested in Mombasa for Orchestrating Fake Robbery Targeting British Tourist
Confused and scared, with threats issued to him, the victim was forced to transfer KSh 800,000 to two mobile numbers provided by the suspects.
Within a short period, the apartment door was broken into and two men forced their way in. Photo/courtesy
By Phanice Rono
Detectives in Mombasa have arrested two individuals accused of staging a fake robbery against a British national during what was supposed to be a first date arranged through an online platform.
According to the statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the chief suspect identified as Samira Mumbi Kiarie, got in touch with the victim through an online dating site and invited him to her apartment in Nyali, Mombasa County. The unsuspecting Briton arrived at the residence expecting a casual meeting, unaware that a criminal plot had been carefully set up against him.
Within a short period, the apartment door was broken into, and two men forced their way in. One introduced himself as Samira’s husband while the other claimed to be a police officer. The supposed police officer reportedly flashed a fake police identification card and accused the foreigner of being responsible for destroying their marriage. Confused and scared, with threats issued to him, the victim was forced to transfer KSh 800,000 to two mobile numbers provided by the suspects. They instructed the visitor to get out instantly and disappeared into the night.
Investigations later revealed the incident was not a spontaneous act of anger, but a well-coordinated fraud to target foreign nationals using fake romantic relationships. Detectives followed the digital money trail and mobile data that led to the arrest of Samira Mumbi and her alleged accomplice, Paul Webster Mangeni, alias Paulo. The pair is currently being held at Nyali Police Station pending further investigation.
A third suspect said to have participated in the scheme is still on the run, as police redouble efforts to track him down. According to the DCI, this group is part of a larger network that targets every foreigner who visits Kenya’s coastal region using online dating sites to lure victims into blackmail and extortion.
Authorities urged the public to be cautious, specifically tourists, when initiating online relationships and to remain vigilant in meeting new acquaintances. Charges likely to be brought against the arrested individuals include conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretence, and impersonation. The DCI reiterated its commitment to the dismantling of such syndicates involved in organized fraud, which has defaced the image of the country and fleeced unsuspecting individuals.
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