A man in Mombasa has been arrested over a fake Airbnb booking scam that defrauded a female tourist of Ksh130,000. Detectives identified the suspect through investigative leads tied to the scheme. The victim sought accommodation in Nyali, a coastal area of Mombasa.
The suspect allegedly collected the money from the tourist before vanishing. Authorities in Bamburi, Mombasa, confirmed the arrest. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a warning to Kenyans about similar scams. The DCI noted the case in an X statement on November 8, 2026.
This incident follows a rise in fake accommodation scams targeting tourists in Kenya. The DCI has urged travelers to verify listings and avoid unverified bookings. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat fraud in the tourism sector. The suspect is currently in police custody.
