This is a specialized Unit which investigates urgent and sensitive cases including and not limited to crimes reported by public bodies and government departments. The Unit also works with all the KRA Departments with a view of enforcing all the tax laws and regulations in addition to other criminal laws in realization of both the DCI and KRA mandates.

By ensuring compliance with tax laws, we contribute to the country's financial stability and equitable distribution of resources.

Serious Crime Unit was established in the year 2001. It is one of the five major Units of the Investigation Bureau based at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters. 

This specialized unit focuses on investigating and solving serious and violent crimes, such as homicides, kidnappings, and major assaults. Our skilled investigators meticulously gather evidence, analyse crime scenes, and collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice. 

The office is subdivided into the following sub-units;  

• General investigations 
• Cyber Crime Investigations 
• Environmental Crime section  
• Administrative Civilian Support  

I. General investigations

II. Cybercrime investigations

In an era heavily reliant on technology, our Cyber Crimes team is at the forefront of combating digital threats. These investigators adeptly handle cyberattacks, data breaches, and online fraud, preserving the digital landscape's security and protecting individuals and businesses from harm. Cyber crime

A cybercrime investigation involves the process of identifying, tracking, and prosecuting individuals or groups responsible for criminal activities in the digital realm. This department has dedicated and well trained technical professionals that mainly focus.  cybercrimes include hacking, online fraud, identity theft, and cyber espionage.

III. Environmental crime section

The Environmental Crime Section within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) plays a pivotal role in addressing and combating offenses that pose a threat to the environment. As our world faces increasing environmental challenges, this specialized section is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes that harm ecosystems, natural resources, and the overall well-being of communities. The Environmental Crime Section operates at the intersection of law enforcement, environmental protection, and conservation, working diligently to ensure a sustainable and ecologically sound future.

The Environmental Crime Section is tasked with a range of functions aimed at detecting, preventing, and addressing various forms of environmental crimes. These functions include:

IV. Administrative civilian support

Within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), administrative civilian support plays a crucial role in providing essential non-law enforcement services that enable the effective functioning of the entire organization. While law enforcement officers focus on investigations, crime prevention, and other operational tasks, administrative civilians provide a wide range of support services that contribute to the overall efficiency, organization, and coordination of the DCI's activities. This division of labor ensures that the DCI can fulfill its mission of maintaining law and order while efficiently managing administrative tasks and logistical needs.

The Economic and Commercial Crimes Unit (ECCU) is a Unit based at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation Headquarters under the Investigation Bureau (IB) and is responsible for investigation of economic and financial crimes. ECCU have officers attached to other Government Institutions among them the State department of Immigration Services, Ethics and Anticorruption Commission, United States Embassy Nairobi, County Government of Nairobi, Financial Reporting Centre, Assets Recovery Agency and Central Bank of Kenya – Cyber Fusion Unit.

Our experts in this subsection are committed to tackling white-collar crimes, including;

• fraud, 
• embezzlement, 
• and corruption.

By employing advanced investigative techniques and financial analysis, we uncover complex schemes that undermine the integrity of our financial systems.

The Unit was established in the Year 2013 with Objective of enforcing the Proceed of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2009. The Act brought the establishment of Financial Reporting Centre which analysis suspicious financial transaction, thereafter, disseminating same report for investigations to the DCI. It also comprises of officers of various ranks who undertake their assignments as and when matters are reported and assigned for investigations. 

The cases reported in the year under review are mostly 

• Money Laundering, 
• Tax Evasion, 
• property crimes ranging from theft and obtaining. 
• illegal financial transactions, and 
• illicit asset acquisition. 
• By tracking the flow of funds and identifying suspicious financial activities, we disrupt criminal networks and safeguard our economic stability.

The Unit is a specialized unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with the mandate to combat proliferation of fraud cases within the insurance industry and to proactively address other offences related to insurance fraud in partnership with Insurance Regulatory Authority.  

This subsection focuses on investigating fraudulent insurance claims, ensuring that legitimate claims are honoured while preventing abuse of the system. Our efforts maintain the fairness and sustainability of insurance services for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Functions of the Unit include:-

• Receiving reports of suspected insurance fraud.
• Collection of intelligence.
• Investigate Insurance Fraud related crimes.
• Sensitize on fraud prevention. 
• Coordinating investigations with other law Enforcement Agencies.
• Prepare investigation reports for Prosecution  and Administrative action.
• Arrest and prosecute suspects in court. 

Our Banking Frauds unit specializes in investigating offenses targeting banks and other financial institutions regulated by CBK, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and unauthorized access. By collaborating with banking partners and utilizing cutting-edge forensic methods, we maintain the trust and stability of the banking sector.

The Units core mandate is to investigate fraud cases and related matters including and not limited to:- 

• Receive and investigate fraud complaints from commercial banks, other financial institutions and Government parastatals. 
• Advise the financial industry on fraud prevention and detection strategies and fraud trends. 
• Apprehend and assist in prosecuting financial crime offenders. 
• Sensitize the public on common types of frauds.
• Liaise with other law enforcement agencies locally and internationally on bank fraud investigations and prevention. 
• Initiate recovery processes of stolen funds and assets with a view of restituting the same to rightful owners through lawful processes. 
• Undertake any other duties assigned to it by the Inspector General of National Police Service, Director of Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Governor of Central Bank of Kenya. 

Our experts in this area are dedicated to investigating crimes that impact capital markets, including insider trading, market manipulation, and securities fraud. By ensuring the integrity of financial markets, we contribute to a level playing field for investors and maintain public trust.

Despite the current strength of officers, the Unit has managed to support the Directorate of Markets Operations (DMO) of the Authority in investigating complaints received. The Unit has continuously liaised with all Market Intermediaries among them the Investment Banks, Stockbrokers, Listed Companies, Share Registrars’ etc. to provide proactive leadership in early detection of possible Market Malpractices. 

 The functions of the Unit include: - 

• Detection and prevention of frauds in the securities industry. 
• Investigation of all detected and reported cases of fraud in the securities industry. 
• Apprehension of offenders. 
• Enforcement of all Laws and Regulations. 
• Act as a liaison between the Authority and other Law Enforcement Agencies. 

The Land Fraud Section within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is a specialized unit dedicated to investigating and combatting fraudulent activities related to land and real estate transactions. Land fraud encompasses a wide range of illegal practices that exploit weaknesses in property ownership records, land titles, and real estate transactions. The Land Fraud Section plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of land ownership and preventing fraudulent schemes that can undermine property rights, economic stability, and public trust in land-related transactions.

The Unit is responsible for investigating Land fraud and Related matters including and not limited to:-

• Forcible entry/detainer 
• Forgery of title to land  
• Intermeddling with any free property of a deceased person
• Unlawfully taking away, possessing, removing, destroying, displacing or altering the position of any survey mark 
• Abuse of office.
• Fraudulently procuring the registration of any certificate of ownership, or any other document or instrument relating to the land.
• Unlawfully occupying public land.
• Addressing fraudulent land transactions and title disputes is the focus of this subsection. Our investigators work to identify forged documents, illegal land grabs, and other schemes that threaten property rights and disrupt community harmony.

The Environmental and Wildlife-Related Crime Section within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under IB is a specialized unit dedicated to addressing and combatting crimes that threaten our natural environment and wildlife. As the world grapples with ecological challenges and the need for conservation, this section focuses on investigating, preventing, and prosecuting offenses that harm the environment, endanger species, and exploit natural resources. By merging law enforcement expertise with a commitment to safeguarding the planet's biodiversity, the Environmental and Wildlife-Related Crime Section plays a vital role in preserving our ecosystems for present and future generations.

The Environmental and Wildlife-Related Crime Section carries out a diverse range of functions aimed at combating crimes that impact the environment and wildlife by investigating crimes such as

• illegal logging, 
• poaching, and 
• wildlife trafficking. 

We work to preserve our environment and safeguard endangered species for future generations.

The Unit is responsible for investigating matters pertaining to cooperative society matters and enforce any other law in force as the case may be including and not limited to:-

The mandate of the Unit include:-

• Collection and dissemination of intelligence on fraud relating to transactions in savings and credit cooperative societies
• Investigation and prosecution of offenders  in SACCO related crimes
• Enforcement of other laws and regulations as the case may be.

This subsection focuses on investigating fraud and embezzlement within cooperatives and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs). By ensuring the financial well-being of members, we uphold the principles of cooperation and mutual support.

The Unit is responsible for investigating organized crimes that cut across different local and international jurisdictions and not limited to:-

• Human trafficking and trafficking in persons.
• Child trafficking
• Money laundering 
• Trafficking in narcotic drugs in liaison with ANU
• Illegal wildlife trafficking

Our team collaborates internationally to combat transnational criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other cross-border offenses. By dismantling these networks, we contribute to global security and justice.

The Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) is a specialized unit committed to the personal safety of all children. It was established in the year 2016 and has one branch in Mombasa covering coastal region

Addressing the grave issue of human trafficking is a top priority. Our investigators work tirelessly to rescue victims, apprehend traffickers, and dismantle criminal networks involved in this heinous crime.

The main goal of the Unit is to protect children and respond to Crimes against Children (CAC). Its mandates include:-

• Carrying out investigations on cases of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking and other serious crimes against children;
• Carrying out further investigations on cases referred by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Kenya.
• Offering specialized advice/training to police officers working at child protection desks at the police stations and other stakeholders all over the country;
• Review of complex cases on crimes against children forwarded from both the DCI and police stations,
• Coordinate with INTERPOL and other law enforcement authorities on crimes against children; 
• Conduct victim identification and rescue missions.