Detectives have arrested a man accused of operating an online accommodation scam, defrauding unsuspecting holidaymakers seeking short-stay rentals in Mombasa. The suspect allegedly presented himself as a legitimate property owner, offering attractive beachfront apartments at discounted prices, primarily targeting families during the festive season.

• Victims booked non-existent BnBs, with one Nairobi resident losing Ksh24,000 for a four-night stay in a fake listing called Brima Mangu Apartment 2B.
• The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nyali Sub-County offices tracked down the fraudster following weeks of complaints, making an arrest after a targeted manhunt.
• The suspect is currently in custody, with investigations ongoing to determine if he is part of a wider network. The DCI urges the public to be vigilant, verify listings, cross-check host identities, and avoid rushing into payments via platforms like Paybill.