By Dorothy Musyoka
Kilimani detectives have successfully arrested two fraudsters who orchestrated a daring cryptocurrency scam, conning a Chinese national out of Sh6.5 million in Kileleshwa on February 20, 2025.
The suspects, Benson Macharia and Robinson Okwemo Nyandoro, posed as cryptocurrency exchange experts, luring their unsuspecting victim into a seemingly legitimate transaction at Rose Gardens, Kileleshwa.
During the exchange, Nyandoro made a swift escape with the cash in a carrier bag, slipping through a backdoor, leaving Macharia behind to calm the victim.
“The duo, Benson Macharia and Robinson Okwemo Nyandoro masqueraded as cryptocurrency exchange experts, claiming that they were in a position to facilitate a cryptocurrency exchange,” stated the detectives.
“While converting the cash into cryptocurrency, Nyandoro made a dramatic exit with the money in a carrier bag, slipping through a backdoor. Left behind, the bewildered victim was still in the grip of Macharia, who posed as a trustworthy technician,” the detectives added.
Macharia assured him that the transaction was successful but delayed due to network issues. As time passed and no funds reflected, the victim realized he had been duped and reported the incident at Kileleshwa Police Station.
Detectives launched an intensive investigation, using forensic leads to track the fraudsters.
The first suspect, Macharia, was arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera on February 25, 2025.
He pleaded not guilty and was released on a Sh1 million bail with a surety of the same amount.
Determined to ensure justice, detectives tracked Nyandoro to The Hub, Karen, on February 27, 2025, where he was arrested.
A search of his Lang’ata residence in KMA Estate led to the recovery of Sh500,000, believed to be part of the stolen cash.
Nyandoro was arraigned on Friday 28th February 2025 at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kibera, where he pleaded not guilty.
He will remain in custody at Industrial Area Prison pending the determination of his bond terms on March 4, 2025.
The public is advised to verify the credentials of anyone offering cryptocurrency exchange services and to report suspicious activities to authorities.