Interpol nets 260 in Africa cybercrime raids

Authorities seized over 1,200 electronic devices, dismantled 81 criminal infrastructures, and identified nearly 1,500 victims, with total estimated losses topping USD 2.8 million.

In Ghana, 68 suspects were arrested, with investigators recovering about USD 70,000 in stolen funds. Senegal reported 22 arrests, where suspects posed as celebrities and duped more than 120 people. Côte d’Ivoire dismantled a sextortion ring that targeted over 800 victims.

Romance scams typically involve criminals creating fake profiles on dating apps or social media, often using stolen photos, to defraud victims. Sextortion cases involved blackmail with explicit images or videos, forcing victims into payments or compliance.

Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director for police services, said cybercrime is among the fastest-growing threats in Africa. He urged nations to strengthen joint action, warning that victims suffer both financial harm and deep psychological trauma.