Detectives have arrested a man accused of running an online Airbnb accommodation fraud scheme that left an unsuspecting holidaymaker KSh130,000 poorer.
The suspect, identified as Nelson Okota Odhiambo, was arrested in Bamburi by detectives from Nyali Sub-County following investigations into a fraudulent accommodation booking.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect allegedly conned a female client of KSh130,000 after promising to secure Airbnb accommodation for her in Nyali.
The woman reportedly sent him the money in anticipation of a relaxing holiday at the Coast.
However, the promised accommodation never materialised, turning her dream getaway into a financial nightmare.
Acting on investigative leads, detectives tracked down Okota and arrested him in Bamburi, bringing his alleged fraudulent activities to an abrupt halt.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect may have extended his alleged scheme beyond Nyali, targeting unsuspecting travellers planning visits to Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.
The suspect remains in police custody undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.
With the festive season approaching, the DCI has cautioned holidaymakers against falling victim to online accommodation scams.
Travellers have been urged to verify properties, establish the legitimacy of hosts and exercise caution before sending money for accommodation bookings.
The DCI has vowed to continue pursuing individuals turning holidaymakers’ dreams into financial nightmares.
