Authorities in Kenya have arrested a fraud suspect known for vanishing after booking high-end Airbnb accommodations without paying.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released on Wednesday, the suspect, identified as Samwel Malish, was apprehended alongside two accomplices after they allegedly fled a luxury Airbnb unit in Mombasa without settling a hefty bill.
The trio had reportedly reserved a lavish three-bedroom Airbnb at the prestigious Jumeirah Palm Resort for two weeks, racking up a bill of approximately Ksh.370,000. Initial payment appeared to be underway when the group sent an RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) message of Ksh . 105,800. However, the funds never reached the host’s account.
When questioned by the host, Malish assured them that his company would take care of the full payment before check-out. Despite this promise, the suspects disappeared without clearing the bill.
Investigations revealed that Malish is a wanted criminal with a trail of fraud cases across Africa and even in Australia. He is also suspected of using a similar scheme to defraud a beach hotel in Mombasa.
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The DCI has confirmed that Malish is in police custody as investigations continue. A manhunt is underway for his two accomplices, who remain at large.
