DCI Busts GHash Mining Scammers: 4 Arrested, 1336 Sim Cards Seized
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended four individuals believed to be involved in cryptocurrency fraud in the Kahawa Wendani locality of Nairobi.
The individuals taken into custody on Friday are said to have been collaborating with GHash Mining. This company asserts itself as a prominent cryptocurrency mining entity driven by technology, boasting a network of more than 25 data centers spanning Africa.
The collaborative operation involving DCI and other security entities was initiated in response to numerous reports of individuals suffering significant financial losses from interactions with miners.
After apprehending the individual, the law enforcement officers seized 1,136 SIM cards from three distinct mobile service providers.
Additionally, eight mobile phones, a tablet, and a laptop were seized as part of the syndicate operation and documented as evidence to assist in the ongoing investigation.
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The individuals believed to be involved in the scam were registered at the Muthaiga and Pangani police stations, awaiting formal charges as ongoing investigations into the criminal network persist.
The DCI also mentioned that additional operations will be carried out to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the same cryptocurrency business.
“We are currently investigating several such cases where investors who fell for the scam are crying foul,” DCI stated on February 7, 2024.
The DCI describes how fraudsters use brief messages to lure unsuspecting Kenyans with the promise of making quick money. Additionally, they are said to distribute phishing links that jeopardize the online security of those who fall victim to their schemes.
“Verify the authenticity of any online investment platforms with Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) respectively before investing your hard-earned money,” DCI warned.
In December of the previous year, the Finance and National Planning Committee of the National Assembly sanctioned the release of the Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The bill is designed to enable the taxation of individuals in Kenya engaged in cryptocurrency trading.
DCI Busts GHash Mining Scammers: 4 Arrested, 1336 Sim Cards Seized