The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was granted a five‑day extension to keep 14 suspects in custody while detectives analyse mobile phones and other electronic devices seized during the investigation.

The suspects were initially arrested on 1 September 2026 during a DCI operation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

DCI prosecutors told the JKIA Law Courts that the seized devices need to be examined by the agency’s ICT/Digital Forensics Laboratory, which will image, decrypt, search and analyse the phones to retrieve financial transaction records, messages and other data.

The court was informed that the complexity of the probe, involving alleged money‑laundering under Section 3 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti‑Money Laundering Act and false pretences under Section 313 of the Penal Code, made it impossible to complete the required 24‑hour presentation of the arrested persons.

In addition to the airport arrests, detectives raided Zizo Warehouse in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, recovering further exhibits that were listed in an inventory attached to the detention application.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint from a United States national, Alkhalifi Ibrahim Hassan, which led DCI to open inquiries into the alleged financial offences.

The court ordered that the 14 suspects remain at JKIA Police Station for the five‑day period and scheduled a follow‑up hearing for the next Friday to review progress and issue further directions.