Where do I report a crypto scam in Kenya?

Report the crime to the DCI (0800 722 203 or dci.go.ke) and the cyber incident to KE-CIRT. Since 2025 crypto is regulated by the CMA, so report investment fraud to the CMA's Capital Markets Fraud Investigation Unit and check whether the platform is licensed.

Is crypto regulated in Kenya?

Yes — since the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act 2025 came into force, crypto is regulated by the CMA (platforms, advisers) and the Central Bank (payments). Report a crypto-investment scam to the CMA/CMFIU.

Can someone recover my stolen crypto for a fee?

No. Anyone promising to recover your funds for an upfront fee is a second scam. Report it and never pay a recovery service.

Reporting guide · 🇰🇪 Kenya

How to report a crypto scam in Kenya

Act fast. If funds went via mobile money, contact your provider immediately (e.g. Safaricom M-Pesa) to request a reversal, then report the crime to the DCI and the cyber incident to KE-CIRT.

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Report online — the fastest step

File the crime with the DCI (call 0800 722 203 or use DCI eCitizen) and report the cyber incident to the National KE-CIRT/CC — KE-CIRT handles takedowns and technical response while the DCI handles the criminal case. Report the investment fraud to the CMA's fraud unit.

KE-CIRT — report an incident → DCI — official site →

DCI hotline: 0800 722 203 (toll-free); police 999/112. KE-CIRT: +254-703-042700.

Who to report to in Kenya

•Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) — the criminal case; hotline 0800 722 203; eCitizen complaints.
•National KE-CIRT/CC — cyber-incident response & takedowns; +254-703-042700.
•Capital Markets Authority (CMA) — regulates crypto since 2025; investor cautions + licensee register.
•Capital Markets Fraud Investigation Unit (CMFIU) — joint CMA/police unit for investment fraud.

Check before you pay

Since the VASP Act 2025, crypto platforms are regulated by the CMA — check whether a platform is (or claims to be) licensed on the CMA register, and report investment fraud to the CMA's Fraud Investigation Unit. Verify licensees before you pay.

CMA — complaints & fraud unit →

CMA — licensee register →

Where to get help & support

•CMFIU — antifraudunit@cma.or.ke / 0714 693 414; securities & investment fraud.
•KE-CIRT — +254-703-042700; cyber-incident help.

Do this right now

•Stop all contact and send no more money — including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw.
•If funds went via mobile money, contact your provider at once (e.g. M-Pesa) to request a reversal/hold.
•Preserve evidence: screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, the scam website or app.
•Report the scam wallet address on Chainabuse.

Kenya-specific things to know

•Kenya now regulates crypto: the VASP Act 2025 puts crypto under the CMA (platforms/advisers) and Central Bank (payments) — report crypto-investment scams to the CMA/CMFIU.
•Two-track reporting works best: file the crime with the DCI and the cyber incident with KE-CIRT (takedowns/technical response).
•Act fast on the money trail: if funds went via mobile money, contact your provider immediately (Safaricom M-Pesa fraud/reversal line) in parallel with the police report.
•The Central Bank has long warned crypto is not legal tender, with no consumer protection if a platform collapses.

⚠️ Beware "recovery" services. Anyone who contacts you promising to get your money back for an upfront fee is almost always a second scam. See the red flags →

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