Interpol warns of AI-generated fake identities targeting Kenyans

Interpol has warned that criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence and stolen personal information to create convincing fake identities.

The practice exposes people to potential fraud involving bank accounts, mobile loans and SIM cards.

Criminal networks combine a person’s real name, identification details or phone number with fabricated addresses, employment records, photographs and other information. The result is a synthetic identity that may not correspond entirely to any real person.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has made the threat harder to contain. Criminals can generate realistic faces, documents, voices and online profiles that appear genuine and can bypass some verification processes used by banks, lenders and telecommunications companies.

The warning comes as senior law enforcement officials from across East Africa meet in Nairobi for an Interpol Policing Capabilities Mentorship Programme for new heads of National Central Bureaus and senior staff.

Speaking on 18 August, Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohammed I. Amin, through Deputy Director John Onyango, said East African countries must work together to tackle cross-border crimes including terrorism, trafficking, cybercrime and money laundering.

Amin called for stronger cooperation between Interpol’s National Central Bureaus, including faster intelligence sharing, joint investigations and coordinated operations. He also urged greater use of Interpol databases and secure communication systems to exchange information on wanted persons, stolen travel documents, vehicles, fingerprints and DNA profiles.

The Directorate further called for sustained investment in specialised training as criminal networks become more sophisticated and technology-driven.

The development forms part of a wider shift in organised crime, with networks using technology to operate across borders, exploit jurisdictional gaps and target digital financial and communication systems.

Law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and technology companies face growing pressure to strengthen verification systems and share intelligence quickly to disrupt these networks.