DCI busts international cyber fraud ring, seize 18 Chinese nationals at Kilimani hideout

Police have arrested 18 Chinese nationals following a raid on apartments in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, dismantling what investigators believe is part of an international cyber fraud syndicate targeting victims outside Kenya.

The operation was carried out by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in collaboration with officials from the Chinese Embassy.

According to investigators, the suspects allegedly targeted foreign bank accounts and victims before channeling the proceeds of the suspected fraud through Kenya, where the money was later withdrawn.

During the raid, detectives recovered 39 Chinese passports and seven Malaysian passports, as well as computers, laptops, mobile phones, internet routers and other electronic equipment believed to have been used in the suspected cybercrime operation.

Police also seized KSh293,000 in cash and 22 banknotes of 20,000 Malagasy ariary, all of which have been secured as exhibits for the ongoing investigations.

Authorities said several suspects managed to escape during the operation and are currently being pursued.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects entered Kenya within the past month from China, Malaysia, Cambodia and Madagascar, raising concerns over the transnational nature of the alleged criminal network.

The 18 suspects are being held at Kilimani Police Station as detectives continue with investigations ahead of their possible arraignment in court.

Investigators are also conducting forensic examinations of the recovered electronic devices to establish the full scope of the alleged fraud scheme, identify additional victims and trace any local or international accomplices.

Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the suspected syndicate as investigations into the international cybercrime network continue.