INTERPOL has announced the arrest of 27 Kenyans linked to large-scale online fraud schemes during a coordinated cybercrime operation across Africa.
The arrests were carried out in a joint crackdown that ran from December 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026, targeting online investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fake digital loan applications.
How the Scam Operated
According to INTERPOL, investigators uncovered fraud networks that used messaging apps, social media platforms, and fake testimonials to lure victims into bogus investment schemes.
Victims were reportedly persuaded to deposit small amounts — sometimes as low as KSh6,400 ($50) — after being promised unusually high returns.
To make the scams appear legitimate, suspects allegedly presented fabricated account dashboards and statements showing fake profits and growing balances.
Sh5.8 Billion in Losses
INTERPOL disclosed that the Kenyan cases formed part of a wider transnational fraud network responsible for financial losses exceeding KSh5.8 billion and affecting more than 1,200 victims, mainly from Africa.
“During the eight-week operation, investigations exposed scams linked to over $45 million in financial losses and identified 1,247 victims, predominantly from the African continent but also from other regions of the world,” INTERPOL revealed.
651 Arrests Across 16 Countries
In total, law enforcement agencies across 16 African countries made 651 arrests during the operation.
Authorities also:
- Recovered over KSh580 million in stolen funds
- Seized more than 2,300 electronic devices
- Shut down over 1,400 malicious servers, domains, and IP addresses
INTERPOL described the operation as part of broader efforts to combat transnational cybercrime networks that continue to target vulnerable victims through digital platforms.
