Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have arrested a suspect linked to a SIM-swap fraud scheme that saw a victim lose Ksh 450,500 from her M-Pesa account.
The suspect, identified as Oscar Livondo, was apprehended following investigations into a sophisticated scam targeting a woman who had been out of the country for several years.
According to investigators, the victim travelled to the United States in January 2019 in search of employment opportunities. Before her departure, she activated Safaricom’s Daima service to keep her mobile line active for continued access to M-Pesa services while abroad.
Her line reportedly operated normally until May 24, 2024, when she suddenly lost access to both mobile network services and M-Pesa. Unaware of any interference, she returned to Kenya in December 2024, only to discover that her SIM card had been illegally swapped without her consent.
Upon checking her M-Pesa account, she expected a balance of about Ksh 450,500. Instead, she found only Ksh 18 remaining.
Investigations later established that on October 15, 2024, the funds had been withdrawn in two separate transactions and transferred to a mobile number registered under the suspect’s name.
Detectives launched a manhunt that led them to Ngumba Estate, where Livondo was traced and arrested. A search of his residence recovered two mobile phones and six SIM card holders, which are believed to be connected to the fraud.
The suspect is currently in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment as investigations continue.
