The Director Investigations Bureau at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI Kenya), Mr. Abdalla Komesha, has admitted to a rise in cryptocurrency-related crimes.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Crime Investigations Course held at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), the Director said the partnership and support in facilitating this invaluable training would ‘equip the detectives with advanced forensic techniques to develop practical strategies for combating cross-border illicit transactions.’
The five-day intensive programme brought together investigators from over ten African countries explored the technical intricacies of digital currencies.
During his address, NCIA Commandant Mr. Sospeter Munyi praised the participants for their dedication and active involvement in the course. He encouraged them to implement their new knowledge and skills to improve the efficiency and quality of their investigative work.
The ceremony was also graced by:
The Programme Manager from the EU, Mr. Louis Dey
European Union Action Against Crime (EU-ACT) Organised Crime key expert Col. Andrea Antonazzo
Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation (EAPCCO) Regional Specialised Officer, Mr. Dennis Wanyama
Deputy Commandant NCIA, Mr. Stephen Chacha, and
Instructors, led by Mr. Tom Nyabuti.
BitKE has consistently reported on DCI Kenya’s investigations related to cryptocurrency crime and fraud throughout 2025 including public cautions, arrests, and prosecutions.
In June 2025, DCI Kenya highlighted the growing role of crypto in money laundering within the country.
REGULATION | ‘Proceeds of Crime Are Laundered and Concealed Within Real Estate or Cryptocurrency in Kenya,’ Says Kenyan Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
In July 2025, a major Kenyan bank lost ~$4 million after a group of contractors manipulated the institution’s IT systems to siphon funds through unauthorized wallet creation and crypto channels.
CRYPTO CRIME | Kenyan Bank Loses Over KES 500 Million (~$4 Million) in Sophisticated IT System Breach Involving USDT Stablecoin Laundering
In July 2025, a major crypto scam, dubbed CBEX, was uncovered which saw thousands of Kenyans and Nigerians swindled of ~$847 million.
REGULATION | EFCC Nigeria Releases List of 8 Nigerians and Kenyans Alleged to Be Behind CBEX Fraud
In October 2025, INTERPOL and AFRIPOL arrested 83 individuals across 6 African countries, including Kenya, during a crack down on crypto-based terrorism financing worth ~$430,000 with a major exchange implicated.
REGULATION | INTERPOL and AFRIPOL Crack Down on Crypto-Based Terrorism Financing Worth ~$430,000 in Kenya
In November 2025, a businessman in Kenya was been arrested by the Kenya Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) on allegations of financing terrorism through cryptocurrencies.
CRYPTO CRIME | Kenyan Businessman Arrested Over Terror Financing Through Cryptocurrencies
In November 2025, a prominent Kenyan lawyer was also arrested over ‘terrorism financing with significant funds involving cryptocurrencies.’
CRYPTO CRIME | Prominent Kenyan Lawyer Reportedly Arrested Over Terrrorism Financing with Significant Funds Involving Cryptocurrencies
As a result of these activities, the FATF and the European Union (EU) grey-listed Kenya as a high-risk destination for money laundering.
The recently-passed Kenya VASP Act 2025 is expected to help cut down on crypto-related crimes through prosecutions and law enforcement.
The DCI Kenya training is likely part of that overall agenda.
REGULATION | ‘We Have Not Licensed Any VASPs Under the [VASP] Act to Operate In or From Kenya,’ Says Central Bank and Capital Markets Regulator
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