Cyber criminals target e-payments

Cyber crimes are threatening the digital boom in East Africa and the rest of the continent, warns the Africa Organised Crime Index 2025. The index tracks criminal activities over seven years, with cyber crimes introduced in 2025. “Since 2023, the two fastest-growing markets have been financial crimes and the trade in counterfeit goods, reflecting global patterns,” the report states. Financial crimes, defined as “cyber enabled”, accounted for over 30% of reported crimes in West and East Africa. Recognising the threat, the East African Community Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan lists “developing common transaction monitoring and reporting guidelines, and strengthening cross-border coordination in identifying and mitigating financial crimes” as one of its objectives. ER