Sunday, December 15, 2024 - The sudden disappearance of two notorious cybercriminals along the Narok-Mai Mahiu Highway has left residents of Bomet and Narok counties in a state of alarm.
Kiplangat Maritim, alias Elvis Chepkosa, and Dominic Kipng'eno Lang'at, known
as Hillary Muge, have been missing since December 5, 2024.
The two were reportedly travelling from Nairobi to Bomet when their Toyota
Prado was shot at, its tyres punctured, and the occupants abducted by masked
assailants.
The vehicle, which was registered in 2022, had previously been intercepted
while transporting sandalwood worth Ksh 2 million in the Maili Saba area along
the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway.
Authorities in the area have launched a probe and Chepalungu Sub-County Police
Commander Panton Analo has confirmed that his office is working with the
families to locate the missing men.
Rumours abound that the men may have been abducted by their associates over a
dispute related to their illicit dealings.
Sources suggest the possibility that they orchestrated their own disappearance
to mislead their criminal associates into believing they were targeted by law
enforcement.
Others speculate that vengeful victims of their scams may be behind the
kidnapping, seeking retribution for losing large sums of money to their fraudulent
activities.
Chepkosa and Lang'at, aged 34 and 28 respectively, are infamous for executing
complex cyber scams, including SIM swapping, credit card fraud, and even armed
robberies.
Their modus operandi involved exploiting mobile network vulnerabilities to gain
access to victims’ financial accounts, from which they transferred stolen funds
using platforms like Neteller and Skrill.
The duo also laundered money by converting it into cryptocurrency and hiding it
in digital wallets, which was later cashed out by third parties.
They have recruited hundreds of youth from Bomet County, many of whom are
involved in phishing schemes that target personal information for further SIM
swapping and theft from mobile wallets and bank accounts.
Living a life of luxury funded by the proceeds of their cybercrime, Chepkosa
and Lang'at have amassed substantial wealth, including palatial homes,
commercial plots, and livestock.
Chepkosa, a well-known philanthropist in Bomet, has built a
multi-million-shilling mansion in Chepalungu Sub-County and owns significant
property in the region.
Lang'at, too, has recently completed an opulent home in
Narok West Sub-County and owns multiple vehicles and plots across Narok County.
The two have gained notoriety for using their wealth and influence to lure
young people into the cybercrime trade, offering them the allure of quick
riches.
Many of these youths, often school dropouts, are now involved in the expansive
cybercriminal network that spans counties such as Narok, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu,
Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa.
Their activities have not only defrauded countless victims but have also caused
emotional and financial devastation, with some victims spiralling into
depression or, in extreme cases, committing suicide.
Cybercrime remains a growing menace in Kenya, with perpetrators continuously
evolving their tactics to exploit emerging digital vulnerabilities.
Police have intensified efforts to tackle the issue, while cybersecurity
experts urge the public to be vigilant.
They recommend implementing two-factor authentication, using strong, unique
passwords and avoiding sharing sensitive financial information.
Citizens are also advised to report lost or stolen cards immediately to their
financial institutions and to avoid clicking on suspicious links from unknown
sources.
The disappearance of Chepkosa and Lang'at serves as a stark reminder to the
youth drawn into cybercrime that the illicit pursuit of wealth often leads to
unforeseen consequences, including involvement in dangerous criminal networks
and the risk of law enforcement action.
Authorities warn that while cybercrime may appear lucrative, it ultimately
offers no security, only misery and destruction.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
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