August 24, 2025 — The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime, following a coordinated sting operation that dismantled multiple crime networks across Africa and led to the recovery of $97.4 million.
According to INTERPOL, the operation involved security agencies from several African nations working with global partners to track and apprehend syndicates responsible for large-scale online fraud, business email compromise, and money laundering schemes.
Investigators revealed that the networks targeted thousands of individuals and businesses worldwide, siphoning millions of dollars through sophisticated scams before routing the funds across borders. The crackdown, officials said, was made possible through advanced digital forensics, intelligence-sharing, and real-time collaboration among participating countries.
INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock described the success as a “landmark victory against transnational cybercrime,” stressing that the fight against digital fraud requires sustained global cooperation.
Authorities confirmed that several suspects have been arrested and charged, while assets traced to illicit activities were frozen in multiple jurisdictions. The organization further warned that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting Africa’s fast-growing digital economy, making continuous vigilance and stronger cybersecurity measures essential.
Security analysts say the sting operation not only disrupts criminal networks but also sends a strong signal to cybercrime cartels that no region is beyond law enforcement reach.
