Mulot SIM-Swap Fraudsters Relocate Operations from Bomet and Narok to Major Cities

A crackdown on the Mulot SIM-swap syndicate has forced its members to disperse and adopt more sophisticated methods, spreading their operations across major towns and cities in Kenya.

Once a quiet agricultural hub, Mulot in Bomet and Narok counties became notorious for being the heart of mobile money fraud. Over time, its association with SIM-swap scams, which drained mobile wallets and bank accounts nationwide, made it infamous.

However, sustained efforts by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have significantly disrupted the network. DCI Director Amin Mohamed confirmed that the agency is intensifying its pursuit of digital fraud syndicates across the country. 

While Mulot remains a symbolic base, authorities report that criminal activities have now extended to Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kiambu, Mombasa, and Kisii. The tactics of the criminals have evolved. 

In addition to SIM swaps, they now use advanced spoofing technology to impersonate customer care agents, tricking victims into revealing sensitive details. They also employ phishing websites and emails that mimic legitimate platforms to steal passwords and PINs. 

Malware, which records keystrokes, has become another tool for gaining access to security credentials. The syndicates exploit Kenya’s identification system, using stolen or forged ID numbers to register SIM cards, enabling them to execute fraud with increasing efficiency.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan has pledged continued raids across the Central and South Rift regions, where fraud has been most prevalent. He highlighted that many suspects are young people, often school dropouts, and encouraged them to seek legitimate opportunities in Kenya’s expanding digital economy.

Recent operations have yielded significant results. In November, detectives seized over 2,400 ID cards and more than 3,000 SIM cards linked to scams. Earlier arrests in Ruiru involved suspects who drugged a victim before draining Sh250,000 from his accounts, while a senior police officer in Nairobi was also targeted. 

In Chepalungu, notebooks containing victims’ personal data, including M-Pesa balances and loan limits, were uncovered. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen commended the progress made, citing improved collaboration with mobile service providers to enhance security systems.