A man identified as Samwel Malish has been arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with a fraudulent scheme that left a luxury hotel in Mombasa with a significant unpaid debt. Malish, along with two accomplices, is alleged to have scammed the Jumeirah Palm Resort in Mombasa by booking a three-bedroom apartment for a two-week stay, valued at Ksh370,300. The trio had initially sent a fake RTGS payment of Ksh105,800, but the funds never reached the resort’s account.
The luxury stay was part of an elaborate plan orchestrated by Malish and his partners, who managed to book the Hotel online. However, instead of making the full payment, they sent a fraudulent RTGS message for a partial amount, which was meant to cover a portion of the total cost. The payment never reflected in the resort’s account, prompting the hotel management to question Malish and his group about the missing funds.
When confronted about the non-receipt of payment, Malish assured the resort that the outstanding balance would be settled by his company before the group checked out. However, once the time came for them to depart, Malish and his accomplices vanished without a trace, leaving the resort with an unpaid bill and an unsettling mystery.
Further investigations into the incident revealed a troubling pattern of fraudulent activities linked to Malish. Detectives uncovered that he has a long history of scamming individuals and businesses across Africa and even Australia. This particular scam was not an isolated event, as Malish had previously defrauded a beach hotel in Mombasa using the same method. His criminal activities have left a trail of victims who have been duped into believing in his false assurances of payment.
Malish’s arrest has brought some relief to the hotel, but the larger problem remains the series of fraudulent activities he is connected to. Investigators are currently working to track down his accomplices, who have not yet been apprehended. With Malish in custody, law enforcement is hopeful that the investigation will lead to the identification and capture of those involved in the scam.
The DCI’s statement indicates that Malish’s history of fraudulent activities spans across various regions, and the arrest is just one step in a broader effort to dismantle a network of criminals who use similar tactics to defraud businesses and individuals. The nature of these scams, involving fake payments and disappearances, highlights the increasing sophistication of financial fraud and the need for heightened vigilance by businesses in the hospitality industry.
As Malish undergoes processing and prepares for arraignment, the DCI continues its efforts to gather more evidence and track down his partners in crime. The resort in Mombasa, though left with a hefty bill, has expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the authorities in apprehending one of the key suspects.
The case also serves as a stark reminder for businesses to be wary of fraudulent bookings and payments, particularly in industries like hospitality, where large transactions and customer trust are vital. With investigations ongoing, it remains to be seen whether more charges will be brought against Malish, or if additional individuals will be implicated in the broader network of scams. The authorities are committed to bringing all involved parties to justice, ensuring that Malish and his accomplices are held accountable for their actions.
