74-Year-Old Cybercrime Suspect Arrested in Meru Faces Extradition to the US

Kenya’s prosecuting authority has opposed the release on bond of a 74-year-old man sought by the United States over alleged cybercrime offences.

Godfrey Mbogori was arrested in Meru on 19 February by officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force and the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit. His arrest followed the circulation of an INTERPOL Red Notice linked to charges filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

American prosecutors accuse Mbogori of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The charges fall under Title 18 of the United States Criminal Code.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that it received a formal extradition request on 26 February. Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda told the court that the request reflects the seriousness of the allegations and Kenya’s duty to cooperate with international partners in addressing transnational crime.

Prosecutors argued against granting bail, warning that the suspect could abscond if released. They said allowing bond in such circumstances could undermine the extradition process and weaken Kenya’s credibility in meeting its international obligations.

In submissions to the court, the prosecution stated that Kenya has a responsibility to support global efforts to combat transnational crime. They added that releasing a suspect who is the subject of an active international arrest warrant would be inconsistent with that obligation.