Four individuals suspected of involvement in a sim swap syndicate faced charges of robbery with violence on Friday.
Kevin Kiplang’at Maritim, also known as Elvis Chepkosa, was arrested alongside Hillary Muge, Emmanuel Tonui, and Evans Kiprotich Chirchir in Bomet on Wednesday. They were arraigned in Kericho the same day.
In court, they denied the charges and were each granted a Sh1 million bond with two sureties of Sh500,000 each.
The charges stem from an incident on December 28, 2023, in Upper Hill Estate, Bureti Sub County, Kericho County. It’s alleged that they, along with others not present in court, used dangerous weapons to rob Wesley Kipngenp Tanui of his Toyota Fielder and Sh150,000 in cash, totaling Sh1,670,000. Violence was reportedly used during or immediately after the robbery.
Chepkosa is believed to be the leader of the infamous Mulot sim swap syndicate. He was arrested on February 13, 2024, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Following a request for extended detention, he and his alleged accomplices were remanded for two weeks.
According to police, Chepkosa and his associates are involved in social engineering, a scamming method where they obtain personal information from victims for sim swapping. They recruit and train individuals in this illegal activity, leading to its widespread practice in Mulot.
The syndicate reportedly has connections in key institutions like banks, acquiring information to aid their operations. Allegations also suggest collusion with local law enforcement, allowing members to evade arrest.
During periods of low sim swap activity, the syndicate allegedly engages in robberies across Bomet, Kericho, and Nakuru Counties.
Their flamboyant display of wealth on social media platforms attracts young people to their criminal activities, exacerbating the issue.
