A former police officer has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a sophisticated mobile money fraud scheme that targeted unsuspecting Kenyans through fake communications, identity theft, and SIM card manipulation.

The suspect, Amos Nzomo Kimanzi,appeared before Principle Magistrate Carolyn Mugo at Milimani law courts.Amos once served with the Kenya Police but now faces multiple charges under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the Prevention of Organized Crimes Act.

Investigators allege Kimanzi used the number +254 722 919 880—and others including +254 705 948 850—to contact victims under false identities, soliciting money and leveraging his law enforcement background to gain trust. He allegedly engaged in illegal SIM card swaps and subscriber identity fraud to evade detection, with some numbers registered using fake names and documentation.

Evidence recovered also links him to organized criminal activity, suggesting he may have been part of a larger network targeting mobile money users nationwide.

The probe began in June 2025 after the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) flagged suspicious mobile money activity to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Led by IP Nickson Kiunga, detectives traced fraudulent numbers to false registrations, uncovering a trail of swapped identities and SIM cards linked to multiple victims, including one registered to Talam Samson Kiprotich without his knowledge.

Digital forensic experts revealed a pattern of transactions and communication pointing to a months-long, coordinated fraud operation. The scope widened on July 4, 2025, when investigators confirmed the activities fit the profile of organized crime.

On August 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m., DCI officers arrested Kimanzi in Nairobi’s Pipeline area. They seized multiple mobile phones and electronic devices, now undergoing forensic analysis to determine the full extent of the alleged scheme.

Magistrate Mugo directed that the case would be mentioned on 19th August alongside a similar matter ,where another suspect, Brian Kiprotich Ronoh is also expected to be in attendance. The complainant Samson Talaam was also directed to make an appearance in court.