Kenyan Businesswoman Loses KSh 9.3 Million to Fake Cops in Mumbai.
A Nairobi-based entrepreneur specializing in children's garments fell victim to a sophisticated daylight robbery in Mumbai, losing approximately KSh 9.3 million (equivalent to about ₹66.45 lakh) to men impersonating Indian police officers.
The victim, Sumaiya Mohammad Abadi (26), arrived in Mumbai on Monday, January 26, 2026, for her first business trip to source wholesale clothing—having previously visited India as a tourist in 2023. She was staying at a hotel in the city.
On Tuesday, January 27, she met a Kenyan friend in the Kalbadevi area, who handed over ₹58 lakh (roughly KSh 8.1 million) in cash intended for payment to a garment wholesaler. Carrying the money in bags, Sumaiya and her friend took a taxi back toward their hotel.
Near the Alana Centre on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Fort, the taxi was suddenly stopped by two men on a motorcycle. The suspects, wearing helmets, masks, and flashing what appeared to be fake police IDs, claimed they were officers conducting a routine check. They demanded to inspect the vehicle and questioned Sumaiya about the contents of her bags.
Under the pretext of a search, they seized the bags containing the cash, then instructed her to immediately report to the nearest police station before speeding away on their bike.
Realizing the deception only after following their directions and reaching the MRA Marg police station (with help from the taxi driver), Sumaiya reported the incident. Officers there confirmed a similar scam had occurred recently and registered a case.
Mumbai police have launched an active manhunt, leveraging CCTV footage from the area and the motorcycle's registration number. One individual has already been detained in connection with the evidence, and authorities plan to arrest him soon. The suspects face charges including cheating and impersonating public servants.
The robbery highlights ongoing risks for foreign traders carrying large cash amounts in India's bustling markets, where fake-police scams targeting visitors remain a concern. Investigations continue, with police conducting ground patrols and reviewing more surveillance to track the perpetrators.
