Mombasa Man Arrested in Daring Airbnb Scam at Jumeirah Palm Resort

A suspected serial con artist, Samwel Malish, has been arrested for orchestrating a bold scam at the luxurious Jumeirah Palm Resort in Mombasa, leaving an Airbnb host with a Sh370,300 unpaid bill. Malish, along with two accomplices, allegedly booked a three-bedroom property for two weeks, only to vanish without paying, authorities from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed.

According to the DCI, Malish executed the scheme with calculated precision. He initiated the booking online and sent a fraudulent RTGS message claiming a payment of Sh105,800, which never appeared in the host’s account. When questioned, Malish assured the host that his company would settle the full amount before their departure. However, in a move likened to a magician’s trick, Malish and his accomplices disappeared, leaving the host with no payment and a trail of confusion.

Investigations revealed Malish’s extensive criminal history as a con artist, with a string of similar scams across Africa and even ties to fraudulent activities in Australia. The DCI noted that Malish and his associates had previously defrauded a beach hotel in Mombasa using the same deceptive tactics.

Malish is now in custody, awaiting arraignment, as detectives intensify their search for his two accomplices, who remain at large. The arrest marks a significant step in cracking down on fraudulent schemes targeting Kenya’s booming hospitality industry.

Authorities urge property owners and booking platforms to remain vigilant and verify payments to prevent falling victim to such scams. The DCI continues to investigate Malish’s broader network and past crimes, with hopes of bringing his accomplices to justice.