Several Accounts Frozen as DCI Goes After Crypto Traders in Kenya

Several Binance users in Kenya have reportedly found their accounts frozen, leaving them unable to access their wallets or carry out transactions.

The move is said to have come after officials from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) requested that the accounts be blocked as part of an ongoing crackdown on cryptocurrency activities in the country.

Sources familiar with the matter claim that the affected accounts were frozen without any court order being issued and without the users being formally charged.

Some users have allegedly received emails from Binance informing them that their funds had been frozen following a request from the DCI through the National Police Service.

When some of the users sought further explanation from the crypto platform, Binance reportedly advised them to contact the police for more information.

The incident comes at a time when the cryptocurrency sector in Kenya is facing tighter regulations, with Binance also working to comply with international standards.

Many affected users have criticised both Binance and the National Police Service, saying there has been little transparency on why the accounts were frozen.

One user expressed frustration, saying there was no complainant identified, no charges presented, and no clear timeline on when the funds would be released.

The user added that while the accounts remain inaccessible, daily responsibilities such as paying bills and servicing debts continue to pile up.

The issue has also sparked outrage on social media, where affected users have launched the hashtag #BinanceUnmasked to demand answers and accountability.

This development comes as the government continues implementing the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act 2025, which was introduced to regulate cryptocurrency, digital tokens, and other virtual assets.

The law is supported by the draft Virtual Asset Service Providers Regulations 2026, which outline licensing requirements and compliance rules for players in the sector.

Binance has also reportedly noted that while the sector is overseen by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), cooperation with the DCI appears to focus more on surveillance than user protection.