Notorious Airbnb Scammer Arrested After Vanishing from Lavish Mombasa Resort

A suspected con artist known for his habit of disappearing after booking high-end Airbnb accommodations has finally been arrested by Kenyan authorities.

According to a statement released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, the suspect identified as Samwel Malish, along with two accomplices, booked a luxurious three-bedroom Airbnb at the Jumeirah Palm Resort in Mombasa. The group checked in for a two-week stay valued at approximately Ksh.370,000 but left without settling the bill.

DCI revealed that the group initially sent an RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) message indicating a payment of Ksh.105,800. However, the funds never reached the Airbnb host’s account. When questioned, Malish reportedly assured the host that his company would take care of the payment before they checked out.

Despite the assurances, no payment was made, and the group disappeared from the property, prompting a complaint to authorities.

Investigations revealed that Malish has a long history of fraudulent activities, not just in Kenya but across Africa. Authorities also linked him to previous scams involving a beach hotel in Mombasa and even criminal activities in Australia.

“He and his partners in crime previously defrauded a Beach Hotel in Mombasa in the same fashion,” the DCI statement read.

Malish is now in police custody awaiting further investigations. Meanwhile, a nationwide manhunt has been launched to track down his accomplices who remain at large.

This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against fraud targeting Kenya’s growing Airbnb and tourism sectors.

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Notorious Airbnb Scammer Arrested After Vanishing from Lavish Mombasa Resort