INTERPOL has arrested nearly 24 Kenyans in connection with an online credit card fraud scheme that resulted in losses amounting to USD 8.6 million which is approximately Ksh.1.1 billion.
The arrests were part of Operation Serengeti, an initiative targeting cybercriminals involved in ransomware, online scams, and digital extortion across 19 African countries. The crackdown was conducted between September 2 and October 31, 2024, by officials from INTERPOL and AFRIPOL.
In Kenya, the suspects allegedly manipulated the banking system’s security protocols and rerouted funds using SWIFT codes to companies in the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and China, as well as digital asset platforms. SWIFT codes are unique identifiers used by banks to facilitate international money transfers.
Globally, the operation led to the arrest of 1,006 suspects and the dismantling of 134,089 malicious networks linked to cybercrimes. Additionally, 35,000 victims were identified, with the total losses from the cases estimated at USD 193 million (over Ksh.25 billion).
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza commended the collaborative efforts of African nations during the operation.
“Operation Serengeti shows what we can achieve by working together, and these arrests alone will save countless potential future victims from real personal and financial pain,” he stated.
Urquiza, however, emphasized that the fight against cybercrime is far from over, adding, “We know that this is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will continue targeting these criminal groups worldwide.”
AFRIPOL’s Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, reiterated the organization’s commitment to combating cybercrime.
“Through Serengeti, AFRIPOL has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States. We’ve facilitated key arrests and deepened insights into cybercrime trends,” he noted.
