The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has cautioned Kenyans, especially young people, against meeting strangers they interact with on social media following the uncovering of an alleged TikTok network linked to crime.
The warning followed the arrest of three suspects in Ruai, Nairobi County, who are accused of using an anonymous TikTok account to lure unsuspecting victims before arranging physical meetings that allegedly ended in sexual assault and robbery.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, detectives urged members of the public to remain cautious and avoid allowing people they have only met online to lead them to isolated locations.
“Never let someone you have just met online lead you into a secluded or isolated place. Meet in a safe, public setting and ensure someone you trust knows your whereabouts,” the DCI warned.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly operated an anonymous TikTok page, which they used to contact and lure potential victims before organising face-to-face meetings.
Detectives further established that the meetings were allegedly arranged in secluded or abandoned locations, where the victims were reportedly subjected to violent attacks.
In some instances, the victims were allegedly forced to engage in sexual acts and compelled to send money through mobile money accounts believed to be controlled by the suspects.
Other victims were reportedly robbed of their mobile phones and valuables during the attacks, leaving them stranded and helpless.
Following investigations, detectives traced the suspects to the Benedicta area of Ruai, where three people were arrested. Officers also recovered six mobile phones and two hooded jackets during the operation.
"The suspects have since been identified by five victims in separate incidents reported in Buruburu, Embakasi and Ruai, strengthening the case against them and pointing to a potentially wider criminal network," the DCI said.
According to the DCI, investigations are ongoing to establish whether there are more victims and to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged criminal activities.
Kenyans were consequently urged to remain vigilant when engaging with strangers on social media, with the DCI warning that online profiles may not always represent the true identity or intentions of those operating them.
“In the digital world, not every friendly profile is what it appears to be; what looks like an innocent invitation can quickly become a deadly trap,” the DCI cautioned.
