A British national’s romantic getaway in Mombasa turned into a nightmare after detectives uncovered a carefully staged robbery masterminded by a woman he had been courting online for months.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Briton had been wooed by the suspect, Samira Mumbi Kiarie, alias Samira, who charmed him with promises of affection and long-term love. Convinced he had finally found “the one,” the man travelled to her upscale Nyali apartment for what he believed would be a perfect date.
Instead, he walked straight into a scripted heist.
Minutes after he arrived, the apartment door burst open. Two men stormed in—one posing as Samira’s enraged husband, the other flashing a fake police ID.
The alleged “husband” accused the Briton of destroying his marriage, while the bogus cop threatened immediate arrest.
Terrified and confused, the victim was coerced into transferring Sh800,000 to mobile numbers provided by the gang. Once the money landed, the trio escorted him out of the apartment and disappeared into the night.
Detectives later revealed that the entire incident was an elaborate setup.
Acting on forensic intelligence, DCI sleuths launched an operation that led to the arrest of Samira and one of her accomplices, Paul Webster Mangeni, alias Paulo. Investigations have established that the pair belongs to a notorious syndicate targeting foreigners through dating sites, luring them to rented apartments, and robbing them.
“Investigations have since established that the two are part of a notorious syndicate that lures foreigners through dating sites, sets them up in Airbnbs, and robbing them of their hard-earned money,” the DCI stated.
Both suspects are in custody, undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment, while a manhunt is underway for their third accomplice, who remains at large.
The DCI has warned tourists and residents to be vigilant when engaging with strangers online, especially those who invite them into private residences.