Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - A night out in Nairobi’s upscale Lavington neighborhood turned into a financial nightmare for one man after falling victim to a cunning con artist posing as a taxi driver.
On August 8th, the unsuspecting victim and his
friend were leaving a social joint when they attempted to hail a cab via a
ride-hailing app.
Before they could confirm a booking, a seemingly friendly
driver offered them a cheaper ride to their destination.
The pair accepted the offer and were dropped off at a
short-stay rental nearby.
But the driver vanished moments later - with the victim’s
phone.
What followed was a digital heist: over Ksh500,000 was
siphoned from the victim’s accounts into multiple mobile money numbers and bank
accounts using the stolen device.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
(DCI) launched a swift probe, eventually tracking down the suspect and the
vehicle used in the scheme.
Shockingly, the car bore fake registration plates, with a
spare set found during the arrest - raising suspicions of links to other
unresolved crimes.
Officers also recovered multiple phones, SIM cards, and a
sisal rope believed to be tools of the trade.
The suspect is now in custody at DCI Dagoretti, awaiting
arraignment.
This incident is a stark reminder to always verify your
ride.
The DCI urges Kenyans to use trusted taxi apps and confirm
vehicle details before boarding.
In a city where fraud tactics evolve fast, vigilance is your
best defense.
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