Nairobi: Man Accused of Fraudulently Swapping, Using OCS Samson Talam's SIM Card Detained
- A suspect linked to a SIM swap syndicate targeting Central Police Station OCS Samson Talam will remain in custody for seven days
- According to court documents seen by TUKO.co.ke, authorities suspect that the OCS's confiscated mobile line was fraudulently used to impersonate him and solicit funds
- The court granted detectives more time to untangle the cybercrime ring, which may involve multiple individuals
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Nairobi — A mobile phone scandal has landed one man in serious trouble, and authorities believe he's not acting alone.
Source: UGC
Kiprotich Ronoh Brian, a man alleged to be part of a SIM swap fraud syndicate linked to Nairobi Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Talam Samson, will spend the next seven days in police custody as investigations continue.
Brian was arrested on July 20 at Nairobi's Pipeline area, with his gadgets confiscated for analysis.
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He appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, July 21, where Magistrate Carolyne Nyaguthii allowed the prosecution's application to detain him for further interrogation.
Man behind OCS Talam SIM card swap arraigned
Although the prosecution initially sought a 14-day detention, the suspect requested a shorter period, which the court reduced to seven days.
According to court documents seen by TUKO.co.ke, Ronoh is suspected of illegally accessing two mobile phone numbers registered to Talam and using them to impersonate the OCS while soliciting money from the public.
Other suspects believed to be involved in the scheme are still at large.
According to an affidavit sworn by investigating officer Nickson Kiunga of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) General Investigations Unit, the inquiry focuses on crimes including unauthorised interception of data, computer fraud, cybercrime, and participation in organised crime.
"That this honourable court be pleased to issue a custodial order that the respondent herein be detained for 14 days from today at Muthaiga Police Station, and allow completion of investigations on a case of unauthorised interception contrary to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act number 5 of 2018," the affidavit read in part.
Was IPOA involved in the SIM swap fraud?
The investigation was prompted by a complaint filed by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on June 19.
IPOA had confiscated a TECNO CLA5 phone belonging to Talam after his arrest on June 1. The mobile phone, currently held by IPOA as an exhibit, reportedly continued to be used fraudulently despite being in official custody.
Detectives are expected to pursue leads on other individuals potentially involved in the sophisticated SIM swap operation.
Talam lodged a separate complaint on July 4, claiming that his mobile line, believed to have been SIM-swapped, was being used to scam the public.
He stated that members of the public were receiving messages and calls requesting money under the guise of being from him.
Source: Original
How was Talam's phone used for fraud while in custody?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Talam was arrested after being linked to the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
Following his arrest, Talam surrendered his mobile phone to IPOA, as required during investigations. However, strange developments emerged while the phone was under IPOA’s custody.
Talam’s lawyer, Danstan Omari, told the court that the phone, along with its password, was in IPOA’s full control, yet it was allegedly used to send fraudulent messages to unsuspecting members of the public.
One such message was reportedly sent to fellow lawyer Cliff Ombeta, requesting KSh 80,000. Omari claimed these actions indicated a possible criminal offence, especially given that the phone was an official exhibit in a murder investigation.
How did IPOA respond?
Responding on behalf of IPOA, state prosecutor JV Owiti dismissed the allegations, saying the cellphone was in the safe custody of investigators.
He argued that the allegations by the defence were stemming from usual litigation sideshows aimed at delaying the hearing.
The court ordered DCI officers to investigate the matter and submit findings in court to guide the proceedings.
Talam is in custody over the murder of Ojwang, who was allegedly killed at Central Police Station. He is detained alongside police constable James Mukwana, Peter Kimani and three civilians.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on IPOA's response.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
