Detectives have rescued five women from a house in Nairobi after dismantling a suspected online sexual exploitation ring that allegedly lured victims with fake promises of well-paying jobs.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 21, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) arrested three suspects following an intelligence-led operation in Mihang'o, Embakasi East.
The agency warned that criminals are increasingly using fraudulent job advertisements to prey on vulnerable job seekers.
“The DCI cautions job seekers to exercise vigilance when responding to employment offers, particularly those from unverified recruiters, as criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable individuals through false promises of lucrative jobs,” the DCI stated.
According to preliminary investigations, the women had accepted what they believed were legitimate employment offers before they were allegedly coerced into creating sexual content for commercial exploitation.
During the operation, detectives found the five women confined in two bedrooms within the house.
Officers also recovered several items believed to have been used in running the suspected operation, with the exhibits documented as part of ongoing investigations.
Among those arrested were a 43-year-old woman suspected of running the premises, her 24-year-old daughter, who investigators believe recruited the victims, and her 30-year-old son-in-law, who allegedly managed the computer systems used in the scheme.
The three suspects are being held at Kasarani Police Station as they await processing and arraignment in court.
They are expected to face charges under Sections 3(1)(d) and 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, in addition to other related offences.
The DCI said the rescued women will be provided with shelter, medical treatment and psychosocial support as authorities facilitate their recovery.
The agency also urged Kenyans to verify job offers before submitting personal information or accepting employment and encouraged the public to report suspected human trafficking cases through its official reporting channels.
