Police probe Principal Secretary’s 'cloned' SIM card in Sh7m fraud puzzle
Police in Nairobi are investigating a fraud case where a suspect allegedly cloned a government official's SIM card to swindle a businessman out of Sh7 million. The suspect posed as a Principal Secretary to orchestrate the transaction before being caught after attempting a second fraudulent request.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing threat of identity theft and digital fraud targeting high-level government associations.
Police are investigating a man they now believe cloned a SIM card registered to a Principal Secretary (PS) before using it to defraud a businessman of Sh7 million.
Mohammed Abdullahi, in his complaint to police, said that last month he received a call from someone claiming to be the PS.
While Mr Abdullahi did not disclose the nature of the transaction discussed with the man on the call, he said that a fee of Sh7 million was agreed.
Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohammed on Thursday said that the matter is under investigation, and that the suspect is out on bail.
“Investigations are still under active investigation. He has been granted Sh50,000 police cash bail pending conclusion of the investigations,” Mr Mohammed said.
The man claiming to be the PS allegedly said he would send a personal assistant to collect the money from Mr Abdullahi.
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