Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a suspected SIM swap fraudster accused of stealing Sh450,500 from a Kenyan woman’s M-Pesa account in a sophisticated cybercrime scheme that left her with just Sh18.
The suspect, identified as Oscar Livondo, was arrested by officers from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) after investigators traced the allegedly stolen money to a mobile phone number registered in his name.
In a statement, the DCI described the arrest as a breakthrough in the fight against the growing menace of SIM swap fraud in Kenya, warning mobile money users to remain vigilant.
Victim Travelled to the US Before Losing Access to Her SIM Card
According to the DCI, the victim left Kenya in January 2019 after securing a job opportunity in the United States.
“It all began back in January 2019 when the victim, chasing the bright lights of a job opportunity in the USA, jetted off, ready to make her mark,” the DCI said.
Before leaving the country, she reportedly enrolled her Safaricom line in the Daima Programme, a service designed to keep SIM cards active for customers who remain outside network coverage for extended periods.
“To keep her Safaricom line alive for seamless M-Pesa transactions while abroad, she enrolled in Safaricom’s Daima programme, ensuring her line would remain active for two years, even without a network,” detectives explained.
Investigators said the arrangement worked normally until May 24, 2024, when the woman unexpectedly lost all cellular and M-Pesa services.
“The SIM functioned normally until May 24, 2024, when all cellular and M-Pesa services ceased,” the agency stated.
Sh450,500 Disappears After Unauthorized SIM Swap
When the woman returned to Kenya in December 2024, she discovered that her mobile line had allegedly been swapped without her knowledge or approval.
“She discovered that her SIM card had been swapped without her consent,” the DCI revealed.
The discovery became even more devastating when she checked her mobile money balance.
“Expecting a comfortable M-Pesa balance of about Sh450,500, she was hit with the cold slap of reality; her account now showed a measly balance of Sh18,” investigators said.
The woman immediately reported the matter, prompting detectives to launch investigations into the suspected M-Pesa fraud.
DCI Traces Money Trail to Suspect
According to the DCI, forensic investigations established that the missing money had been transferred from the victim’s account on October 15, 2024.
“Investigations were launched, revealing a web of deceit whereby on October 15, 2024, Sh450,500 was transferred in two swift transactions to a number registered under the name of Oscar Livondo,” the detectives stated.
The findings triggered a manhunt that eventually led officers to Ngumba Estate, where the suspect was arrested.
“Detectives launched a manhunt that trailed Livondo to his hideout in Ngumba Estate and subsequently arrested him,” the agency said.
A search conducted at the residence allegedly uncovered additional evidence.
“A swift search of his house revealed two mobile phones and six SIM card holders,” investigators disclosed.
Suspect Awaits Court Appearance
The DCI confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as legal procedures continue.
“Now, Oscar Livondo finds himself behind bars, undergoing processing pending his arraignment,” the agency stated.
Understanding SIM Swap Fraud
SIM swap fraud is a form of cybercrime in which criminals illegally take control of a victim’s mobile phone number by fraudulently replacing the legitimate SIM card. Once they gain access, they can intercept security codes, reset passwords, and gain control of mobile banking and M-Pesa accounts, enabling unauthorized transfers of funds.
The DCI has urged members of the public to safeguard their personal information, monitor their mobile accounts regularly, and report suspicious activity immediately.
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