INTERPOL: 24 Kenyans arrested over Ksh.1.1 billion credit card fraud

Nearly 24 Kenyans have been arrested in connection with a case of online credit card fraud that led to losses worth USD 8.6 million (approximately over Ksh.1.1 billion.)

The mission was part of INTERPOL's operation that targeted criminals behind ransomware, online scams and digital extortion across 19 African countries.

Titled ‘Operation Serengeti,’ the crackdown was conducted from September 2, 2024, to October 31, 2024, by officials from INTERPOL and AFRIPOL.

In Kenya, the credit card scammers conducted the scheme by altering the banking system's security protocol and redistributing the funds through a SWIFT code to companies in the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and China and also digital asset institutions. 

SWIFT codes in this case are unique identifiers for banks that exchange messages and transfer money between banks.

Overall, the operation arrested 1,006 suspects across the continent and managed to dismantle 134,089 malicious networks that promote cybercrimes.

Further, 35,000 victims were identified during the mission, with cases linked to losses worth USD 193 million (approximately over Ksh.25 billion) worldwide. 

Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, expressed confidence that the operation showed the potential African countries can achieve by working together.

“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.

"We know that this is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will continue targeting these criminal groups worldwide."

On his part, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, AFRIPOL’s Executive Director, noted that their focus remains to curb artificially driven malware and cybercrime attacks.

“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 stated.