Interpol, in a two-month cybercrime crackdown across Africa, has arrested 1,006 suspects linked to tens of thousands of victims, including cases of human trafficking, and financial losses amounting to millions of dollars.
The global police organization, which has 196 member countries and celebrated its centenary last year, assists national police forces in combating crimes such as terrorism, financial offenses, child exploitation, cybercrime, and organized crime by facilitating communication and tracking suspects.
Earlier this week, Interpol confirmed the arrests, emphasizing that cybercrime remains one of its most pressing challenges. The operation, conducted between September 2 and October 31 across 19 African countries, involved Interpol agents working in collaboration with Afripol, the African Union’s police agency.
The joint operation targeted criminals involved in ransomware attacks, business email compromise schemes, digital extortion, and online fraud. “From pyramid schemes to large-scale credit card fraud, the growing volume and sophistication of cyber attacks are deeply concerning,” said Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.
“With Serengeti, Afripol has significantly strengthened its support for law enforcement in African Union member states,” added Jalel Chelba, Afripol’s Executive Director.
Reports highlight Kenya as one of the countries significantly affected, with police making nearly two dozen arrests related to an online credit card fraud scheme linked to losses of $8.6 million. In Senegal, eight people, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for an online Ponzi scheme valued at $6 million.
Interpol also revealed cases involving a Cameroonian group suspected of using a pyramid scheme for human trafficking, an international criminal network in Angola running an illegal virtual casino, and a cryptocurrency investment scam in Nigeria.