Detectives in Imenti North have arrested three suspects linked to a coordinated fraud scheme that siphoned more than Sh22.4 million from a savings and credit cooperative society (SACCO), in a case that has exposed alleged abuse of internal digital financial systems.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects are believed to have manipulated the SACCO’s computerized platforms to divert members’ funds through a network of accounts and mobile money channels designed to conceal the flow of money.
“Detectives from Imenti North have arrested three individuals implicated in a fraud scheme that siphoned off more than Sh22.4 million from a SACCO,” the DCI said in a statement, adding that the operation was executed after weeks of surveillance and forensic leads.
At the centre of the investigation is Allan Karani, an ICT Assistant Officer attached to the SACCO, who is suspected of playing a key role in breaching and manipulating the institution’s internal systems.
Investigators say insider access was critical in bypassing security checks without raising immediate alarms.
“The investigation uncovered a complex fraud network, where the criminals wielded technology as their weapon, manipulating the SACCO’s computerised financial systems to enrich themselves at the expense of hardworking members,” the agency stated.
Further probes show that accounts linked to Tony Mwenda, Sharon Kendi, Brivin Dentel, and Mawingu Plus Ltd were allegedly used as conduits for receiving and withdrawing stolen funds, effectively dispersing transactions across multiple channels.
The first major breakthrough came on June 4, 2026, when Tony Mwenda was arrested. Authorities secured custodial orders to support continued investigations and prevent possible interference as the probe widened.
A follow-up operation on June 10, 2026, led to the arrest of Allan Karani, Betty Kanana, and Sharon Kendi in a coordinated crackdown.
During the operation, detectives recovered several mobile phones and a company laptop, now undergoing forensic analysis.
“During the operation, officers seized several mobile phones and a company laptop, all earmarked for forensic analysis to unravel the full extent of this elaborate scheme,” the DCI said.
Preliminary findings suggest the fraud may involve a wider network beyond the current suspects, with investigators indicating that additional individuals could still be under scrutiny.
“The suspects could be just the tip of the iceberg as investigations continue to unearth additional perpetrators in this shocking betrayal of trust,” the statement added.
The suspects remain in custody awaiting arraignment as detectives continue efforts to trace the full extent of the alleged scheme and recover the stolen funds.