Eight Kenyans are among 12 suspects arrested in Rwanda over alleged cyber fraud attempt on Equity Bank.

The Kenyan nationals were arrested by detectives from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) alongside three Rwandans and one Ugandan.

The suspects were allegedly attempting to hack into the bank’s system to steal cash from customers’ accounts, according to the RIB.

“This group was arrested while in the process of hacking into the bank system to steal money from clients’ accounts,” RIB said on Friday.

The suspected criminals are reported to have fled to Rwanda after successfully stealing cash from Equity Bank in Kenya and Uganda.

The investigative agency said the case file has been compiled and submitted to the country’s Prosecution office for further direction.

“RIB urges the public to remain vigilant and always share information that can be used to prevent crime,” added RIB.

In September, a Kenyan man was handed a two-year prison sentence and fined Rwf3 million (Sh325,400)  for defrauding Rwandans.

Charles Kinuthia was accused of soliciting money from hundreds of Rwandans to attend his “wealth conference” in Kigali.

Kinuthia, who posed as a motivational speaker, is said to have sent emails claiming that people would win $197 for attending the conference at Kigali Convention Centre

“Although Kinuthia pleaded not guilty, he accepted that he was the one who sent messages inviting people to attend the conference,” the court said while handing him the sentence.