Interpol And Afripol Comfirms: Four Kenyans Arrested in Multi-Country Terrorist Financing Crackdown
In a sweeping cross-continental operation, the international policing agencies INTERPOL and AFRIPOL have confirmed the arrest of several individuals linked to terrorism financing, among them four Kenyan nationals. While initial reports identified up to 17 Kenyans arrested in a related operation, further investigations uncovered that four of those were specifically detained for alleged roles in financing extremist activity.
According to official statements, Interpol and Afripol coordinated a continent-wide crackdown on networks suspected of supporting terrorism through financial schemes, including money laundering, virtual assets and recruitment operations. The operation, dubbed Operation Catalyst, was carried out between July and September 2025 across six African countries.
In Kenya’s case, investigators uncovered a scheme involving a virtual asset service provider through which about USD 430,000 (55,560,300 Kenyan Shilling) was allegedly routed to fund extremist recruitment and radicalization efforts. Two arrests in that case are confirmed, and a broader investigation implicates several others. The four Kenyans currently under investigation are suspected of directly financing extremist groups. Authorities believe they used virtual asset platforms and cross-border transfers to funnel money to operatives linked to networks active in East and North Africa. One case involved a crypto-based money laundering scheme identified by Kenyan, regional and international partners.
Terrorism financing often operates in the shadows. It rarely involves weapons or physical violence directly but instead sustains extremist organisations through the movement of funds, recruitment, online propaganda, and logistical support. The recent arrests show the importance of strengthening monitoring systems for digital finance and cross-border transactions.
Interpol and Afripol officials praised the operation as an example of effective international cooperation. In a joint statement, Interpol said the operation led to the screening of tens of thousands of persons and entities, identifying individuals of interest and arresting suspects for terrorism-related financing, fraud and cybercrime. Afripol added that the success of the mission highlighted the importance of cooperation among national units combating financial crime, cybercrime and terrorism.
Kenyan authorities, while not naming the suspects, confirmed their collaboration with international partners. The government reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and its financing through stronger laws, technology monitoring and regional intelligence sharing.
