Man Arrested for Hacking Betting Firm, Stealing US$88k

Kenyan authorities have arrested 26-year-old Seth Mwabe, a former university student, for allegedly hacking into the payment system of a leading betting company and stealing KSh 11.4 million (over US$88,000).

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest after a raid on Mwabe’s home in Tatu City, Kiambu County. Videos and photos of the operation, showing his arrest and the seized items, have spread widely online.

Investigators revealed that Mwabe, who dropped out of Meru University in his second year, found weaknesses in the betting firm’s payment service provider. Through this loophole, he allegedly carried out 38 fraudulent transactions using a linked bank account and the PesaLink platform.

Inside his house, detectives discovered what they described as a “well-established computer laboratory.” The room contained high-end servers, laptops, mobile phones, a safe, and even a money-counting machine, according to reports by Pulse Kenya.

During questioning, Mwabe described himself as a cybersecurity expert. “I am a cyber security engineer so this is what I do. I have been doing it since 2017. I left university in my second year,” he stated.

The operation was led by the DCI’s Banking Fraud Unit after the betting firm reported unusual financial losses. Central Region Criminal Investigations Officer Abraham Mugambi confirmed that the tools found at the residence were designed for sophisticated online crimes.

Authorities also believe Mwabe may be linked to other fraud cases involving well-known brands, suggesting he could be part of a wider cybercrime network.

Mwabe has since appeared before a magistrate and is being held as investigations continue. Officials are reviewing digital evidence from Telegram, Starlink, Kenya Bankers Association, and M-Pesa. Some of the data, they noted, may be stored outside Kenya.

Source: Pulse News