Three suspects, including a SACCO ICT officer alleged to be the mastermind behind a sophisticated fraud scheme, have been arrested in connection with the loss of more than KSh22.4 million from a savings and credit cooperative society.

The arrests were made by detectives from Imenti North following investigations into what authorities describe as a well-organized network that allegedly exploited the SACCO’s computerized financial systems to siphon funds from members’ savings.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the probe uncovered an elaborate operation involving multiple individuals and accounts allegedly used to receive and withdraw the stolen money.

At the center of the investigation is Allan Karani, an ICT Assistant Officer at the SACCO, whom detectives suspect played a key role in orchestrating the fraud.

Investigators believe the scheme relied heavily on technology, with the suspects allegedly manipulating electronic systems to move millions of shillings out of SACCO accounts without authorization.

Multi-Million Fraud Trail

The DCI said investigations established that bank accounts linked to several individuals and entities were allegedly used as conduits for the movement of the funds.

Among those named by investigators are Tony Mwenda, Sharon Kendi, Brivin Dentel, and Mawingu Plus Ltd.

Detectives allege that the accounts received portions of the money before withdrawals were made as part of efforts to conceal the trail of the funds.

The first breakthrough in the case came on June 4, 2026, when Tony Mwenda was arrested and placed in custody as investigators expanded the probe.

Authorities subsequently obtained custodial orders to facilitate further investigations and track additional suspects believed to be connected to the scheme.

Coordinated Operation Leads to More Arrests

On June 10, detectives conducted a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of Allan Karani, Betty Kanana, and Sharon Kendi.

During the operation, investigators seized several mobile phones and a company laptop, which have since been taken for forensic examination.

The DCI says the devices could provide crucial evidence regarding the planning, execution, and movement of funds linked to the alleged fraud.

Forensic experts are expected to analyze electronic communications, transaction records, and digital footprints that may reveal the full extent of the suspected criminal network.

Members Left Counting Losses

The alleged theft has sent shockwaves through the SACCO, whose members entrusted the institution with their savings and investments.

Authorities say what should have been a secure financial institution became the target of a coordinated scheme that exploited internal systems for personal gain.

The loss of more than KSh22.4 million has raised concerns about cybersecurity, internal controls, and fraud prevention measures within cooperative financial institutions.

More Arrests Possible

The DCI has indicated that investigations remain ongoing and that additional suspects could be arrested as detectives continue piecing together the fraud network.

Authorities believe the three suspects currently in custody may not be the only individuals involved in the scheme.

“Evidence gathered so far points to a conspiracy involving multiple suspects who utilized the SACCO’s electronic systems to orchestrate the fraud,” investigators said.

The suspects are currently being held in custody pending arraignment in court.

Meanwhile, detectives have vowed to pursue all individuals linked to the alleged scam and recover any proceeds of crime that may have been obtained through the fraudulent transactions.

The case is expected to shine a spotlight on the growing threat of technology-enabled financial crimes and the need for stronger safeguards within SACCOs and other financial institutions across the country.

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