A suspected high-profile cryptocurrency fraudster was on Wednesday arrested in Kiamunyi, Nakuru County, following an intensive manhunt by detectives from Kilifi North.
The suspect, identified as Bavon Onyancha Masese — also known by the aliases Abdirahaman Abdikarim and Jamie Damon — was traced after investigators uncovered a KSh 3.9 million scam targeting a Kilifi woman. The breakthrough discovery put him on detectives’ radar, prompting a swift pursuit that ultimately ended his alleged online fraud spree.
According to police reports, Bavon is believed to have orchestrated multiple illicit digital transactions and unlawful cryptocurrency operations used to deceive unsuspecting victims across the country. Detectives say the suspect created fictitious online personas and exploited gaps in digital finance platforms to coordinate the elaborate schemes.
Further investigations have reportedly linked him to a network of cyber-enabled fraud activities involving money laundering and unauthorized SIM card registrations.
Bavon is expected to be arraigned at the Kilifi Law Courts, where he will face several charges, including money laundering, obtaining money by false pretence, unauthorised registration of SIM cards, and conspiracy to defraud.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant when engaging in online financial transactions, especially involving cryptocurrency platforms, noting a rise in such scams targeting Kenyans.
