Nairobi, December 12, 2025 — Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has established a specialised unit to tackle cryptocurrency-related crimes following a surge in digital-asset fraud.
An internal DCI report shows that investors lost KES 5.6 billion ($43.3 million) to crypto scams in 2024, marking a 73% increase compared to the previous year. Early reports suggest that losses in 2025 may already surpass the 2024 total.
Crackdown on Digital Crime
The new unit will focus on crypto scams and related cyber offences, particularly as criminals exploit online platforms that offer anonymity.
“We are forming a specialised unit to crack down on cryptocurrency fraud. As criminals move into digital spaces, law enforcement must innovate equally fast,” said Rosemary Kuraru, head of the DCI’s forensic laboratory.
The announcement coincides with the launch of a Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Investigation Training Module, co-funded by the European Union, designed to equip investigators with skills in blockchain forensics, digital wallet investigations, and cross-border cybercrime cooperation. Officials from over 10 African countries participated in the training, reflecting regional concern over the growing threat.
Rising Threat and Enforcement Efforts
Kenyans lost $231.5 million to cybercrime in 2024, placing the country among Africa’s hardest-hit markets. Reported crypto-related losses in Nairobi and Nakuru included sums of $119,000, $100,000, and $30,000, though prosecutions are ongoing.
The DCI has handled over 500 digital-asset-related cases over the past three years and has also investigated a small number of cases involving digital assets used in terrorism financing, treated as national-security matters.
Political Attention
President William Ruto, in his State of Security report to Parliament, identified misuse of cryptocurrency platforms as a growing threat to Kenya’s digital economy.
“Cybercriminals have been exploiting cryptocurrency platforms for fraud, ransomware payments, and anonymous transactions, thereby fuelling cybercrime — a threat to our national security,” Ruto told lawmakers.
Regulatory Landscape and Digital Growth
Despite the passing of the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Bill, which legalised digital-asset activity and introduced licensing requirements, the Central Bank of Kenya has not yet issued licenses pending full implementation.
Industry estimates suggest over 6 million Kenyans hold cryptocurrencies, though no official registry exists. Globally, criminals stole over $40 billion in digital assets in 2024, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
The DCI said the new specialised unit, combined with enhanced training and regional cooperation, will strengthen Kenya’s ability to protect investors and combat digital-asset crime.
