Marsabit Businessman Arrested on Suspicion of Cryptocurrency-Funded Terrorism
MARSABIT, Kenya – A businessman, Abdisalam Hassan, was arrested in Marsabit Town on Monday on allegations of financing terrorism through a cryptocurrency network, Kenyan authorities announced. The arrest, carried out by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), comes amid growing concerns over the use of digital currencies to fund illicit activities.
Investigators state they have gathered substantial evidence linking Hassan to suspected terror-related financial activities. The arrest has triggered a strong reaction from Hassan’s family, who vehemently deny the allegations and are demanding his release. Following escalating tensions outside the Marsabit police station, where family members and supporters confronted officers, hassan was discreetly transferred to Nairobi for security reasons.
Police indicate Hassan will be arraigned in court on Tuesday, alongside a nairobi-based lawyer arrested separately in Mombasa in connection with similar charges. Authorities have not yet released further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions as potential avenues for terrorist financing, a concern shared by international law enforcement agencies. The ATPU’s investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.