In Kenya, police have arrested 26-year-old Joseph Momanyi for suspected involvement in a cybercrime totaling $378,000 on the JamboPay platform.
Arrest and Crime Details
Joseph Momanyi was arrested on April 12 in Kahawa West. During the search, items such as a laptop, SIM cards registered under various names, and multiple mobile phones were seized. Reports indicate he hacked into the financial system of Web Tribe Limited, the parent company of JamboPay, between July 19 and 24, 2024.
Criminal Methods
Authorities allege that Momanyi operated a network of accomplices, using fake identities and communication to evade detection. He reportedly transferred $378,568 into various M-Pesa wallets and bank accounts without raising alarms. Detectives stated that after gaining access to the JamboPay client portal, he altered and disabled clients' mobile numbers receiving transaction notifications.
Context of Cybercrime in Kenya
The case against Momanyi arises amid increasing cybercrime trends in the region. In March 2025, 134 suspected cybercriminals were arrested in Nigeria, alongside significant breaches of data privacy laws by lending apps. The company Whitepath was fined for adding unauthorized guarantors.
Joseph Momanyi's arrest highlights the growing issue of cybercrime in Kenya and the urgent need for enhanced security measures in financial systems.
