Detectives in Mombasa have apprehended three individuals accused of robbing two Russian nationals of Ksh.2.5 million while masquerading as AirBnB hosts.
The suspects, identified as Mutegi Mbeti, Dickson Otwera Tunya, and Humphrey Nyairo Nyachwaya, were located in their hideout within an Airbnb at Badar House, situated in the Mwembeni area of Kisauni Sub-County.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), operatives from the Nyali Sub-County Office had been pursuing the suspects following reports of a robbery that occurred on a Sunday.
During the audacious incident in Bamburi, the trio allegedly posed as AirBnB hosts, inviting the two Russians into the property before executing their plan to steal Ksh.2.5 million.
“On January 19, 2025, the suspects Mutegi Mbeti, Dickson Otwera Tunya, and Humphrey Nyairo Nyachwaya devised a deceptive scheme that ensnared their unsuspecting victims. Disguised as hospitable hosts, they enticed the complainants to the Airbnb, only to reveal their malicious intentions,” stated the DCI.
“Armed with weapons, they threatened the foreigners, demanding Ksh.2.5 million under the threat of death. They coerced the victims into transferring 1,986,410 Russian Rubles online and surrendering cash amounts of 1,500 Russian Rubles, 120 Dirhams, and Ksh.45,000.”
The DCI has since uncovered that the suspects run a sophisticated online dating scheme in collaboration with international accomplices to defraud foreign clients, subsequently funneling the illicit funds into overseas bank accounts.
The trio has been presented before the Shanzu Chief Magistrate’s Court, where investigators were granted three days to complete their inquiries.
The case is scheduled for mention on January 24, 2025.
