The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested the main suspect accused of defrauding holidaymakers in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and Mombasa counties.

DCI says suspect Sheila Wakesho Matasa was arrested in Ruaka as she sought assistance at a bank that had frozen her account over multiple suspicious transactions.

“In a well-choreographed scheme that has milked both local and foreign coast-goers to the bones, the daring suspect opened several social media platforms purporting to own several Airbnbs in the Coastal region of Mombasa, drawing a followership of over 10k unsuspecting fun lovers.”

Additionally, DCI stated that some of the accounts on Facebook which she used to lure unsuspecting holiday makers, contained plagiarised information and copyrighted photos.

“After netting her targets who could only reach her online, the quiet suspect with loud deals directed them to channel booking fees to a Till or Paybill number after which she would vanish leaving them stranded along beaches, bus stations, SGR terminals and airports.”