Online dating.
A few weeks ago, a British national in the coastal town of Mombasa lost a whopping Sh800,000 to online dating fraudsters.
Days later, on November 11, 2025, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested two members of a suspected criminal syndicate based in Nyali, Mombasa, which, it revealed, specialises in luring foreigners into fraudulent romantic relationships before robbing them.
According to DCI boss Mohamed Amin, a Mombasa-based woman cultivated an online relationship with the victim for several months before the incident happened.
Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin.
After months of online courtship, the Mombasa woman convinced the foreigner to visit her apartment in Nyali for a “dream romantic date”.
But unknown to him, a trap had been laid.
Moments after the Briton arrived, the door allegedly flew open and two male accomplices stormed the residence.
One posed as the woman’s enraged husband and accused the foreigner of “wrecking his home”, while the other brandished a fake police identification card and threatened to arrest him.
Under duress and fearing arrest, the victim was coerced into transferring Sh800,000 to mobile money accounts provided by the assailants.
Once the transaction was completed, the trio reportedly escorted the Briton out before disappearing into the night.
The victim subsequently reported the matter to the DCI.
Forensic intelligence led detectives to arrest the woman and one of her accomplices in their hideout.
A manhunt is currently underway for the third suspect.
The DCI detectives established that the suspects are part of a larger, well-organised criminal enterprise that systematically targets foreigners through online dating platforms before luring them into rented apartments and robbing them.
Their modus operandi involves renting high-end apartments or Airbnbs in areas frequented by tourists, such as Nyali, to create a façade of legitimacy and safety before executing their extortion schemes.
“Investigations have established that the suspects are part of a network that traps foreigners online and stages fake robberies to extort them,” said DCI boss Amin.
The DCI has urged the public to verify the identities of those they meet online
In yet another incident a fortnight ago, a man in Nakuru lost Sh400, 000 after being lured to a secluded place by a woman he met on a dating site.
The man was lured by the woman to a house in the posh Milimani Estate where he was robbed.
Last month, a Nairobi woman stole Sh300, 000 from a businessman she met at a club in Lavington.
The two first met on social media before they made a date at the club where the woman thereafter transferred money from her victim’s phone to her number several times.
The incidents are not isolated.
They highlight a growing, sophisticated trend of online dating fraud in the country that has prompted renewed warnings from security agencies.
The DCI, for instance, has warned that criminals are increasingly targeting unsuspecting individuals through dating apps and social media, luring them into dangerous situations under the guise of friendship or romance.
The criminals, according to the agency, often exploit emotional connections to gain trust before ambushing victims for their money or possessions.
The DCI said it has recorded a surge in violent robberies and financial fraud cases linked to online interactions.
“DCI wishes to alert members of the public regarding a disturbing rise in violent robberies originating from interactions on online dating platforms, where unsuspecting individuals are lured into perilous situations under the pretext of friendship or romance,” warned the DCI in a statement.
The investigative agency revealed that victims, including both Kenyan citizens and foreigners, are often approached online and cultivated into a false sense of trust before being invited to meet in private or unfamiliar locations.
“Victims, both citizens and foreign nationals, are often approached on dating apps or social media, cultivated into a false sense of trust, and subsequently invited to meet in private or unfamiliar locations. Tragically, these gatherings frequently culminate in ambushes, robberies, and, in some cases, physical assaults,” stated the DCI.
The agency noted that these encounters frequently end in ambushes, theft, and, in some instances, physical assault.
According to the DCI, many of the perpetrators are highly skilled at manipulating emotional connections to extract personal or financial information from victims.
The agency lamented that this type of crime continues to evolve, putting individuals at serious risk if they do not exercise caution, especially during this festive season.
Love seekers on dating apps should be careful if they get a digital love card from unknown senders as the card may lead to phishing or a fraudulent website.
The DCI urged the public to verify the identities of those they meet online, warning that profiles or stories that appear too perfect or inconsistent should be treated as potential red flags.
The agency further advised that in-person meetings should always take place in safe, public, well-lit locations such as restaurants, cafés, or shopping centres, and that private or secluded areas should be avoided.
“In light of this alarming situation, we urge the public to exercise heightened caution when interacting with such platforms. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to protect your personal information. Avoid sharing any sensitive details, particularly financial information, with individuals you’ve only met online. Fraudsters are particularly skilled at creating emotional connections, which they then exploit to extract personal data that could lead to financial or personal harm,” the DCI wrote.
The DCI further advised Kenyans to always inform family and friends before meeting strangers.
“Before you head out to meet someone, inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans, including whom you are meeting, where you will be, and the time of your meeting. Additionally, keep your phone charged and, if possible, share your live location with someone you trust,” added the DCI.
Meanwhile, the DCI revealed that it is investigating the rising crimes linked to dating apps and social media romance, as it urged victims to report such incidents.
“If you ever feel threatened or encounter suspicious behaviour, disengage immediately and seek help. Don’t hesitate to contact the nearest police station or reach out to the DCI for support. Reporting any suspicious profiles or threats can help protect others from becoming victims,” further stated the DCI.
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