A Man Receives Ksh 24,000 Via Mpesa, Refuses To Reverse It; See What The Police Did To Him

A Mombasa resident is breathing a sigh of relief after detectives cracked down on a man accused of tricking travellers with fake Airbnb listings.

The arrest has highlighted the rise of online holiday scams that continue to target visitors heading to the coast.

Detectives from Nyali Sub County said the suspect had been luring travellers with attractive photos of a nonexistent property.

One victim, a Nairobi resident planning a family getaway, came across a listing named Brima Mangu Apartment 2B.

The apartment appeared impressive, and the alleged owner, who introduced himself as Brian Masika, offered it at six thousand shillings per night.

After striking up a conversation with the alleged owner, a chap named Brian Masika, they agreed on a deal of Sh6000 per night.

Masika whetted his appetite with beautiful pictures and supplied a pay bill number that seemed harmless.

Hooked by the charming visuals and smooth talk, the holiday planner sent Sh24000 via M-Pesa for four nights, blissfully unaware he was walking straight into a lion’s den.

The traveller later arrived in Mombasa on December 4 only to find that the apartment did not exist.

Masika could not be reached, leaving the family stranded and forced to look for alternative accommodation.

The incident was reported to detectives, who launched a swift investigation.

Forensic leads helped officers trace the suspect to his hideout, where he was arrested.

He is now in custody as investigators prepare the case for arraignment.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has urged the public to be careful when booking holiday houses online, especially during the festive season.

Travellers are encouraged to verify listings, confirm ownership and avoid rushing into payments to reduce the risk of falling victim to online fraud.