Interpol Busts Cybercrime Network in 16 African Countries, Arrests 651

Interpol-led raids in 16 African countries arrested 651 people and dismantled a cybercrime network that stole over $45 million. Scams included investment fraud, mobile money fraud, and fake loans. Authorities seized 2,341 devices and shut down 1,442 malicious servers.

Police authorities across 16 African nations have successfully apprehended 651 individuals in recent weeks, effectively dismantling a major cybercrime network that extorted tens of millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims, according to an announcement made Thursday by Interpol. The operation, which spanned eight weeks, uncovered a sophisticated network responsible for defrauding more than $45 million from hundreds, and possibly thousands, of victims, the majority of whom were based in Africa.
The cybercriminal syndicate engaged in a variety of online scams, including high-yield investment frauds promising unrealistic returns, mobile money scams targeting users’ financial accounts, and fraudulent mobile loan applications that tricked individuals into providing sensitive personal and financial information. Authorities also noted that these operations were not only financially damaging but inflicted significant psychological stress on victims, eroding trust in digital and financial systems across the region.
As part of the operation, investigators seized a total of 2,341 electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, and storage equipment, used to orchestrate the scams. Additionally, 1,442 malicious internet assets, including IP addresses, domains, and servers that facilitated the fraudulent activity, were shut down to prevent further exploitation. The coordinated raids were carried out over December and January, reflecting months of planning and international cooperation.
Neal Jetton, head of Interpol's cybercrime directorate, highlighted the severe impact of organized cybercriminal networks, stating, “These organised cybercriminal syndicates inflict devastating financial and psychological harm on individuals, businesses and entire communities with their false promises.” He further urged victims of cybercrime to report incidents promptly to law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention to mitigate losses and dismantle criminal operations.
The countries that participated in the operation included Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This large-scale, cross-border enforcement effort underscores the increasing cooperation among African nations and international policing organizations to combat cybercrime, a threat that continues to grow as digital financial services expand and more people engage with online platforms.
Interpol described the operation as a significant step in disrupting criminal networks that exploit digital systems and vulnerable populations. The agency emphasized that while arrests and seizures are critical, continued international collaboration, cybercrime awareness, and public education remain essential in preventing similar schemes in the future.