Kenya DCI regains control of hacked social media accounts used to promote a fake cryptocurrency and launches an investigation into the cyber-attack
Hackers Exploited Accounts to Promote Fake Cryptocurrency
Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on February 9, 2025, that it had regained control of its X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts after hackers briefly seized them to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency. The agency has launched an investigation to track down those responsible for the cyber-attack.
Hackers Claimed to Launch ‘DCI’ Cryptocurrency
During the breach, cybercriminals used the official DCI accounts to promote a fake digital asset named “DCI.” The posts falsely claimed that the cryptocurrency was part of a blockchain initiative aimed at reducing Kenya’s national budget by hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
The hackers shared a contract address for the supposed token and claimed it had been listed on major cryptocurrency exchanges. They also urged followers to like and share the posts and encouraged local media to support the project.
Kenya DCI Restores Accounts, Warns the Public
Hours after the breach, the DCI successfully regained control of the compromised accounts and deleted the misleading posts. The agency later issued a public statement warning citizens to disregard any messages posted during the attack, emphasizing that they did not originate from official DCI sources.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to investigating the breach and holding those responsible accountable. “We are conducting a thorough forensic analysis to trace the perpetrators,” the DCI said in its statement.
Read more: Russian National Sentenced to 7 Years for Crypto-Funding Ukrainian Armed Forces
Growing Trend of Cyber-Attacks in Kenya
The attack on the DCI is part of a wider trend of cybercriminals targeting high-profile organizations in Kenya. Earlier in the week, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and K24 TV also reported breaches of their X accounts, which were similarly used to promote cryptocurrency scams.
Authorities Urge Vigilance Against Online Scams
As cyber threats continue to rise, the DCI has advised the public to remain cautious of fraudulent online schemes. The agency urged Kenyans to verify information from official sources before engaging with or sharing it.
Authorities also emphasized the need for improved cybersecurity measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For official updates on this case and cybersecurity threats, follow the DCI’s verified social media accounts and website.
