Sudan Traders Report Millions Stolen via Bankak App

More than 50 traders and customers in West Kordofan have reported that millions of Sudanese pounds have been stolen from their Bank of Khartoum accounts through the Bankak mobile banking application. The Dar Hamar Emergency Rooms, a local advocacy group, has documented over 50 cases of theft involving Bank of Khartoum customers, including traders operating in the Umbadir area of North Kordofan. The group says reported losses range from SDG 18 million to SDG 45 million per person.

Azzam Hamed, spokesperson for the Dar Hamar Emergency Rooms, accuses the Bank of Khartoum of failing to safeguard its customers' deposits and of not freezing affected accounts after customers reported the thefts. He says some customers discovered that their money had already been withdrawn when they visited bank branches. The affected traders are preparing collective legal action and have contacted the Central Bank of Sudan to demand tighter oversight.

One of the affected customers, Walid Ismail El Sadig, reported that SDG 21 million was stolen from his account in two transfers: SDG 15 million on 14 October and SDG 6 million on 3 November. After reporting the theft, he was advised to file a complaint with the public prosecution. El Sadig describes repeated failures when trying to verify his account balance through the bank's application and accuses the bank of refusing to acknowledge a vulnerability in its application.

Another customer from the Umbadir area of Sodari locality in West Kordofan reported that SDG 12 million was stolen from his account on 14 October 2026. He says he had received no messages from any organisation and had not opened any links. The money was transferred to another customer's account, which was also compromised. The Dar Hamar Emergency Rooms say they have written to the Bank of Khartoum, the Central Bank of Sudan, and relevant judicial authorities, calling for action over the thefts.

The Dar Hamar Emergency Rooms argue that banking regulations and civil law oblige the bank to protect customers' deposits and provide adequate cybersecurity. They accuse the bank of failing to trace and freeze stolen funds after being notified, instead directing customers to file police reports. Affected customers have filed criminal complaints, while legal committees are preparing collective lawsuits against the bank's executive management.

The Emergency Rooms are seeking regulatory penalties and the suspension of the bank's electronic banking service licences. They have urged residents to stop opening accounts with the Bank of Khartoum, suspend deposits, withdraw existing funds, and boycott its services until the stolen money is returned and customers are compensated. Their demands include full reimbursement, the freezing of accounts that received fraudulent transfers, and investigations to identify those responsible.

The Emergency Rooms warn that they will intensify their legal and media campaign if the bank fails to respond promptly, insisting that all stolen money must be returned to its rightful owners. The Bank of Khartoum has not responded to requests for comment on the issue. The case highlights concerns over cybersecurity and banking regulations in Sudan, with customers demanding greater protection and accountability from financial institutions.

Key points

• The Bank of Khartoum has not responded to requests for comment on the issue.
• The Emergency Rooms are seeking regulatory penalties and the suspension of the bank's electronic banking service licences.
• Affected customers have reported losses ranging from SDG 18 million to SDG 45 million per person.