The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime, following the successful arrest of a suspected fraudster in Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County.

Detectives working alongside Police Officers from Igembe North launched a coordinated operation in the Irindii area of Laare, after receiving a credible intelligence regarding suspicious digital activities.

The operation led to the arrest of the target, a convicted felon identified as Morris Kithinji Tirimiti, a man believed to be at the center of cybercrime in the area.

Upon being cornered and apprehended, detectives conducted a thorough search that led to the recovery of six mobile phones, all suspected to have been used in fraudulent operations.

In addition, officers also recovered a 39 SIM cards, 33 registered under Safaricom PLC and 6 Airtel lines, raising serious concerns about the scale and sophistication of the suspect’s activities.

Preliminary background checks have further revealed that the suspect is no stranger to run-ins with the law, having previously served a 12-year prison sentence at Kamiti and Naivasha prisons after being convicted of grievous harm.

The DCI said the arrest marks a significant step in dismantling suspected fraud networks operating within the region, with authorities warning the public to remain vigilant against emerging digital scams.

Detectives from DCI Igembe North have since taken over the case and are conducting further investigations to establish possible accomplices, trace victims, and uncover the full extent of the suspect’s operations.

The DCI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the public from criminal elements and urged anyone with information related to fraudulent activities to report to the nearest police station.