Three suspects appeared before the Mombasa Law Courts on Monday as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sought more time to complete investigations into a suspected cybercrime and car theft syndicate.
The accused, Calvince Otieno Nyagilo, John Orwa, and Oscar Baraza, are being investigated for offenses related to computer misuse and cybercrime, as well as the theft of motor vehicles.
The prosecution successfully applied to have the suspects detained for seven days, with investigators arguing that the extension is critical for unearthing the full scope of the alleged syndicate.
Appearing before a Mombasa magistrate, police revealed that the three are believed to be part of a larger, well-coordinated criminal network that has been targeting private vehicle owners through digital platforms.
Investigators suspect the syndicate uses hacked information to either disable vehicle tracking systems or facilitate fraudulent sales of stolen vehicles.
“We believe the suspects are key players in a wider syndicate involved in high-tech motor vehicle theft. Allowing us time to detain them will help uncover the entire network and possibly lead to more arrests,” a DCI officer told the court.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s submission, granting the DCI seven days to hold the suspects at the Central Police Station in Mombasa, where they will be questioned further as forensic analysis of digital devices and recovered vehicles continues.
Sources close to the investigation say detectives are already pursuing leads that may result in the arrest of additional suspects linked to the ring.
“This is an ongoing operation. We are analyzing phone records, financial transactions, and digital footprints left by the suspects,” said a senior DCI official involved in the probe.
The suspects did not take plea, as the police are yet to finalize their case files.
They will remain in custody until the matter is mentioned again in court after the investigation period lapses.
