Interpol, working with Afripol, has arrested 24 Kenyans connected to a massive online credit card fraud case worth Ksh1.1 billion. The operation, code-named “Serengeti,” was part of a global effort to tackle major cybercrimes like ransomware, online scams, and business email fraud.
It spanned 19 African countries and led to over 1,000 arrests, along with the dismantling of more than 134,000 malicious networks.
In Kenya, the fraud involved altering banking security systems with fraudulent scripts. This allowed the group to steal $8.6 million, which they quickly transferred through SWIFT to companies in the UAE, Nigeria, and China. Some of the stolen funds were also sent to digital financial platforms operating in multiple countries.
Worldwide, the operation uncovered more than 35,000 victims and nearly $193 million in financial losses. Intelligence gathered during the operation helped create 65 detailed reports, ensuring law enforcement targeted the most dangerous threats. Private companies, like internet service providers, also played a big role by sharing critical information and helping secure vulnerable systems.
Afripol’s Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, highlighted the growing danger of cybercrime, noting the rise of AI-driven malware and other advanced attack methods. He praised African law enforcement for making key arrests and gaining valuable insights into evolving cyber threats.
Kenya has recently strengthened its fight against cybercrime by joining the Budapest Convention, an international treaty that helps countries work together to combat online crimes. Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the growing reliance on technology makes it critical to build strong cybersecurity defenses to protect the country’s digital future.
The crackdown wasn’t limited to Kenya. In Senegal, eight people, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for running a $6 million Ponzi scheme that scammed over 1,800 victims. In Nigeria, authorities arrested a man accused of running a fraudulent online investment scheme, tricking people into investing in fake cryptocurrency deals and making over $300,000.
By Vivian K.
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