In a revelation by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), Kenyan hackers have been implicated in a sophisticated cybercrime operation that saw them steal Ksh1.1 billion by exploiting vulnerabilities in banking systems. The funds were reportedly redistributed to companies in UAE, Nigeria, and China, and digital asset platforms, raising concerns over the growing threat of cybercrime in Africa.
The Heist
The probe, conducted between September 2 and October 24, 2024, uncovered how the hackers altered security protocols in banking systems to execute the fraud using fraudulent scripts. INTERPOL’s findings indicate that the stolen money was channeled to both international companies and digital trading platforms regulated in multiple jurisdictions.
Operation Serengeti: A Continental Crackdown
The arrests were part of a larger initiative, Operation Serengeti, targeting cybercriminals across 19 African nations. During the operation:
1,006 suspects were arrested, and 134,089 malicious networks dismantled.
Over 35,000 victims were identified, with losses globally exceeding Ksh24 billion.
Private-sector partners, including Internet Service Providers, played a crucial role in providing intelligence, disrupting operations, and patching security vulnerabilities.
High-Profile Arrests
In Senegal, eight suspects, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for running an online scheme worth Ksh777 million. Investigators seized 900 SIM cards, cash, phones, and victims' ID cards from their apartments.
A Nigerian scammer allegedly made Ksh38 million by luring victims into fake cryptocurrency investments.
In Angola, authorities dismantled an international virtual casino operation, targeting gamblers in Brazil and Nigeria.
INTERPOL’s Warning
“This is a stark reminder that no institution is immune to cyberattacks,” INTERPOL stated, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to secure critical systems.
Implications for Kenya
The involvement of Kenyan hackers in such a massive fraud raises urgent questions about the country’s cybersecurity policies and its capacity to protect financial institutions and citizens from cyber threats. With increasing reliance on digital transactions, experts warn that Kenya must step up efforts in cyber education, security infrastructure, and law enforcement collaboration.
The Bigger Picture
The rise in cybercrime, as evidenced by the findings of Operation Serengeti, underscores a global threat, with African countries emerging as both victims and perpetrators. Enhanced collaboration between governments, private sectors, and international organizations is crucial to curb this menace.
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