The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has today arrested 14 suspects associated with a website cloning scam to trick travellers into buying nonexistent tickets.
Police officers from Nakuru Police Station and detectives from DCI’s Banking Fraud Investigations Unit (BFIU) were involved in the operation.
Investigators believe the 14 alleged cybercriminals had created fake websites that duped travellers looking to book tickets for buses that ply routes in the Northeastern part of Kenya.
“With the allure of easy online bus ticket purchases, many were left devastated, their hard-earned cash disappearing without a trace,” DCI wrote in a statement.
DCI claim the suspects had created fake websites for bus companies Zain Coach, Harmain Coach, and Habesh Coach. According to authorities, these suspects were operating from a house in the Pangani area of Nakuru town.
Police retrieved 25 mobile phones, 16 SIM card plates, and 10 SIM cards believed to have been used to conduct the online scam. Detectives continue their investigations while the suspects await arraignment in court.
READ: Transport Operators in Kenya Must Appoint a Data Protection Officer
Website cloning and phishing are not new cybercrimes facing Kenyans, but recent trends indicate the transport industry has become a key target. This is especially as ticket booking has largely moved online.
Earlier in the year, budget airline Jambojet fell victim to website cloning.
Jambojet acknowledged the matter, stating, “We have become aware of a growing number of fraudulent individuals and fake platforms using the Jambojet name, logo, and assets to deceive members of the public. These include fake booking websites; unofficial WhatsApp groups; fraudulent Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages; and imposters claiming to represent our recruitment team.”
Outside Kenya, Google is also taking legal action against China-based scammers using Gemini AI to clone government and brand sites for fraudulent purposes.
