Family-Run Exploitation Network Dismantled in Nairobi
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have dismantled a suspected family-run online sexual exploitation network in Nairobi, Kenya, arresting a mother, her daughter, and her son-in-law. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, also led to the rescue of five women who were allegedly trafficked through fake job offers and forced to produce explicit online content.
Victims Rescued from Confinement in Mihang’o
According to a statement by the DCI, officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) carried out the raid in the Mihang’o area of Embakasi East Constituency. The five women were found confined in two bedrooms inside a residential house. Preliminary investigations reveal that the victims had been promised lucrative employment opportunities but were instead subjected to online sexual exploitation for commercial gain.
Recovered Evidence and Suspects Identified
A search of the premises led to the recovery of items believed to have been used to facilitate the exploitation, which were documented for use in the investigation. The DCI identified the prime suspect as Morine Imbaali, 43, the owner of the house, who is believed to have operated the trafficking enterprise. Also arrested were her 24-year-old daughter, Barbara Okoyo, suspected of recruiting the victims, and her 30-year-old husband, Alfred Okelo, who investigators believe managed the computer systems used in the online exploitation scheme.
Statements from the DCI
“Detectives from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) have arrested three individuals in connection with suspected online sexual exploitation in Mihang'o area, Embakasi East Constituency, Nairobi County,” the statement read. “Acting on actionable intelligence, the detectives rescued five women who were found confined in two bedrooms within a house in the area. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were lured with promises of lucrative employment opportunities but were instead forced to produce online sexual content for commercial exploitation.”
The statement further detailed that the three suspects were escorted to Kasarani Police Station, where they remain in custody pending processing and arraignment. They 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, alongside other related offences.
Support for Victims and Public Warning
Arrangements are being made to provide the five rescued women with safe, appropriate shelter and comprehensive holistic support services, including psychosocial counselling and medical care, to ensure their safety, dignity, and successful reintegration. The DCI cautioned job seekers to exercise vigilance when responding to employment offers, particularly those from unverified recruiters, as criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable individuals through false promises of lucrative jobs. “Anyone with information on human trafficking or other criminal activities is encouraged to report it confidentially through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000,” the statement added.
