Fraud suspects found with dozens of ID cards, SIM cards and electronic gadgets detained

Police in Starehe are holding three individuals after two of them were allegedly found in possession of dozens of national identity cards suspected to have been stolen for use in fraud and other criminal activities.

The suspects, Samuel Mutiso Mwangangi and Patrick Mutua Muli, are being detained at Ruaraka Police Station as investigations continue.

Police Constable Marvin Gachemi told a Makadara court that Mwangangi had initially been reported for fraud. During his arrest, officers allegedly recovered 37 national identity cards and 224 Airtel SIM cards in his possession. He also had five Safaricom and eight Telkom SIM cards, along with two bank cards.

“Upon arrest, the first respondent (Mwangangi) led the investigating officer to a location where the second respondent (Muli) was found. He was in possession of 52 Kenyan national identity cards, 128 Airtel SIM cards, one bank ATM card, and a grey HP laptop,” PC Gachemi stated in an affidavit filed before the court.

Appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Stephany Bett, the suspects claimed they were licensed agents involved in the registration of new mobile subscribers and said the items were used in the course of their work.

However, police say they also recovered assorted mobile phones -some reported stolen- mobile phone accessories, and various other electronic devices from the suspects.

PC Gachemi sought to detain the suspects for 14 days to allow for comprehensive investigations, but the magistrate granted a two-day custodial order. The court directed that the period be used to verify the suspects’ claims of being authorised registration agents before further directions are issued.

The suspects are being held alongside a third person, Salome Wanjiku Kimani, who told the court she was arrested after her husband went into hiding. She claimed the items linked to the alleged crimes were found in their home, and that she is only in custody because her husband absconded.

Kimani, a mother to a young child, said she had no knowledge of the alleged offences.

PC Gachemi told the court that he intends to engage the National Registration Bureau to identify the legitimate owners of the recovered identity cards. He also plans to verify with mobile service providers whether the SIM cards are properly registered.

Police will revisit the scenes linked to the arrests to gather additional evidence and determine whether other individuals are involved.

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