Nairobi Linked to Fraud Schemes Targeting Victims Abroad

Nairobi has become a hub for international scam networks targeting victims abroad, using digital tools and artificial intelligence to create convincing messages, fake identities, and fraudulent investment platforms. In July, police raided the city, arresting nearly 20 Chinese nationals and seizing computers, smartphones, and Chinese and Malaysian passports, linked to schemes targeting China, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Investigators revealed that millions of shillings were laundered through Kenyan banks, connected to proceeds from overseas scams. These networks now operate from apartments and hotels, making detection more difficult, and caused global losses of USD 442 billion in 2025.