NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three suspects in connection with an alleged online sexual exploitation ring in Mihang’o, Embakasi East Constituency, and rescued five women who were reportedly being held and exploited.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DCI said officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) conducted the operation following actionable intelligence, leading to the rescue of the women from a house where they were allegedly confined in two bedrooms.
Victims Lured With Job Promises
According to preliminary investigations, the victims were allegedly recruited with promises of well-paying employment opportunities but were instead forced to produce online sexual content for commercial exploitation.
Detectives also recovered several items believed to have been used to facilitate the suspected criminal operation during a search of the premises. The items were documented as exhibits.
Three Suspects in Custody
The suspects arrested are:
- Morine Imbaali, 43, the owner of the premises and the principal suspect.
- Barbara Okoyo, 24, daughter of the principal suspect, who is alleged to have recruited the victims.
- Alfred Okelo, 30, husband to Barbara Okoyo, who is suspected of maintaining the computer systems allegedly used in the operation.
The three are being held at Kasarani Police Station pending processing and arraignment.
Trafficking Charges Expected
The DCI said the suspects are expected to face charges of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1)(d), as read together with Section 3(5), of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 8 of 2010, in addition to other related offences.
Meanwhile, authorities are arranging safe accommodation and comprehensive support services for the five rescued women, including psychosocial counselling and medical care, to facilitate their recovery and reintegration.
DCI Warns Job Seekers
The DCI urged job seekers to exercise caution when responding to employment offers, particularly those made by unverified recruiters.
The agency warned that criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable individuals by advertising fake employment opportunities that ultimately lead to trafficking and exploitation.