Detectives in Nakuru have arrested a notorious cybercrime gang that has been hacking people’s credit cards to use in the purchase of bitcoin.
The gang of two comprised of Francis Maina Wambui alias Nick, 26, and Zellic Alusa, 25. The suspects were arrested in the company of two young ladies who are students at Kenyatta University (KU).
The two-man gang had been operating in the affluent Milimani neighbourhood of the city.
Bitcoin gang lived affluent lifestyle
The two suspects had been using the stolen money to live lavishly, entertain beautiful babes, and buy properties.
Detectives recovered a land sale agreement entered on May 25, 2022, for a property valued at Ksh850,000 in Juja, five laptops, four mobile phones, two Wi-Fi gadgets, three hard drives, and assorted SIM cards.
The two suspects created fake email accounts which they used to hack the credit cards of innocent persons, especially those living in foreign countries, and use them to buy bitcoins which are then converted to Kenyan currency.
Cyber Forensic experts have now launched investigations into the matter for a comprehensive analysis.
During the Opening of the DCI Forensic Laboratory on Monday, June 13, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to fight cybercrime effectively.
He noted that mobile money transfers have led to an increase in cybercrimes in the country.
"Qualified detectives in various academic scientific fields such as Computer Science, Pure Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, and Information Technology among others, have been deployed to offer their professional services in their respective areas of specialization,” the DCI said.
The Forensic Laboratory is expected to fast-track information on serious crimes.
