TechPression

Tag: cybercrimes

  • Serengeti strikes: 1,000+ nabbed in cybercrime crackdown

    Serengeti strikes: 1,000+ nabbed in cybercrime crackdown

    INTERPOL announced the results of Operation Serengeti on Tuesday. This significant anti-cybercrime initiative, conducted from September 2 to October 31, led to the arrest of 1,006 suspects across 19 African countries. The operation aimed to combat various forms of cybercrime, including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion, and online scams.

    Read also: Hackers stole $17 million from Bank of Uganda, incident under investigation

    Operation overview

    Operation Serengeti resulted in the downing of 134,089 malicious networks, the identification of over 35,000 victims, and an estimated $193 million in economic losses.

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    Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, emphasised the operation’s impact: “From multi-level marketing scams to credit card fraud on an industrial scale, the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks is of serious concern.” He continued, “Operation Serengeti shows what we can achieve by working together, and these arrests alone will save countless potential future victims from real personal and financial pain. We know this is just the tip of the iceberg, so we will continue targeting these criminal groups worldwide.”

    Countries such as Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa participated in the operation. Kenyan authorities uncovered an $8.6 million online credit card fraud scheme. The criminals altered banking security protocols to siphon funds through the SWIFT system to various international entities.

    Notable arrests and cases

    Several high-profile cases emerged from Operation Serengeti:

    In Senegal, eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for orchestrating a $6 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded 1,811 victims. During the investigation, authorities seized over 900 SIM cards and $11,000 in cash.

    A man in Nigeria was apprehended for running a cryptocurrency scam that reportedly earned him over $300,000 through deceptive investment promises.

    Read also: Cybersecurity experts call for unified efforts to combat threats at ISC2 Nigeria conference

    In Cameroon, law enforcement dismantled a trafficking ring involved in a multi-level marketing scam that had already generated at least $150,000 in illegal profits.

    Also, in Kenya, authorities uncovered a credit card fraud scheme that resulted in losses of $8.6 million. Nearly two dozen suspects were arrested for their roles in redirecting stolen funds via SWIFT to various countries 

    Additionally, Angolan investigators shut down an international virtual casino targeting Brazilian and Nigerian gamblers, leading to the arrest of 150 suspects.

    Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Executive Director of AFRIPOL, highlighted the operation’s significance: “ Through Serengeti, Afripol has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States.”

    The success of Operation Serengeti illustrates the critical role of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private sector partners was vital for intelligence sharing and operational support. As cyber criminals increasingly exploit advanced technologies, initiatives like Operation Serengeti are essential for safeguarding digital ecosystems across Africa and beyond.

     

  • Kenya seeks citizens’ input on draft regulations for cybercrimes, misuse of technology

    Kenya seeks citizens’ input on draft regulations for cybercrimes, misuse of technology

    Kenya’s National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) has initiated a nationwide citizen engagement exercise to gather public opinions on the draft regulations concerning cybercrimes and the misuse of technology. The NC4 task force launched this public participation forum in Kisumu County, emphasising the importance of incorporating public input to create a secure, safe, and user-friendly cyberspace for all Kenyan citizens.

    Addressing Rising Cybersecurity Concerns

    Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa expressed concern over the recent surge in cybercrimes and social media attacks in Kenya. These incidents, including personal profiling, ethnic tensions, and social media-based attacks, have led to personal distress, especially among children. She also emphasised the task force’s responsibility to raise awareness about responsible social media usage and safe cyberspace practices.

    Mworoa applauded ongoing government interventions and highlighted the significance of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act in mitigating digital security threats. The draft regulations aim to provide comprehensive guidelines for implementing this act effectively.

    Read also: Interpol blocks 208 accounts, arrests 103 for Cyber fraud in West Africa

    Closing Gaps in Cybercrime Regulation

    Dr. Mark Matunga, NC4 Co-chair, explained that the exercise aims to review draft regulations that will operationalize the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) of 2018. While the CMCA was enacted in 2018, its full implementation faced challenges due to several  existing gaps. The task force was established to draft regulations that prioritise people’s interests, ultimately enabling the effective implementation of the CMCA.

    Addressing Privacy Concerns and Cybersecurity Threats

    Dr. Matunga addressed concerns about cybercrime and privacy intrusion, emphasising the importance of cybercrime misuse regulations. He reassured citizens that many unintended messages are received from third parties, governments, or individuals. The task force seeks to address these concerns comprehensively.

    James Yogo, Head of Cybercrime and Security at the Central Bank of Kenya and a task force member, warned that the global cost of tackling cybersecurity is expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This staggering figure rivals the combined costs of the US, China, and illegal drug trade. Kenya’s enactment of the Cybercrime Act in 2018 was a crucial step in proactively responding to the increasing number of cybercrimes.

    Boosting Kenya’s Digital Economy

    Dr. David Njoga, the joint secretary of the task force and head of the cyber security, policy, and strategy unit at the NC4, highlighted Kenya’s growing digitization efforts and the need for cyberspace regulation. With the emergence of the digital economy, cybersecurity has become a significant concern impacting various aspects of the country’s economy.

    The draft regulations encompass cybercrime management frameworks that define various related offences and their corresponding penalties. By addressing cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and other cybercrimes, these regulations aim to enhance digital safety.

    International Collaboration for Cybersecurity

    The draft regulations also promote coordination, collaboration, and cooperation with other countries in the cybersecurity sector, including critical infrastructure protection. Cybercrimes transcend physical borders, allowing perpetrators to act anonymously both within and beyond national boundaries. By collaborating with other nations and implementing rigorous regulations, Kenya aims to apprehend and punish such offenders effectively.

    South African firms grapple with escalating cybercrimes

    A Range of Cybercrimes Addressed

    The CMCA, enacted in 2018, lists various cybercrimes, including computer fraud, cyber forgery, cyber espionage, unauthorised access to ICT systems, false information publication, child pornography, fraudulent use of electronic data, identity theft, cyber harassment, and cyber terrorism. These regulations aim to provide a comprehensive framework to combat these digital threats effectively.

    As Kenya continues its journey toward a thriving digital economy, the draft regulations on cybercrimes and the misuse of technology stand as a pivotal step in securing the nation’s cyberspace and safeguarding its citizens against emerging threats. Public input remains crucial in shaping these regulations for a more secure digital future.