INTERPOL Operation Leads to 574 Cybercrime Arrests Across Africa

A coordinated law enforcement operation led by INTERPOL has resulted in the arrest of 574 suspects across Africa and the recovery of nearly $3 million in illicit funds, marking one of the largest regional actions against cybercrime networks to date. The operation involved police, financial intelligence units, and cybercrime agencies from 19 countries, highlighting growing international cooperation in tackling digital crime.

Authorities targeted a wide range of cyber-enabled offenses, including online fraud, phishing scams, business email compromise (BEC), mobile banking fraud, and ransomware-linked money laundering. Investigators also seized thousands of devices, SIM cards, and servers used to facilitate cross-border criminal operations that preyed on individuals, businesses, and public institutions.

In a related development underscoring the global nature of cybercrime, a Ukrainian national linked to a major ransomware group has pleaded guilty in a separate case, admitting to acting as an affiliate who helped deploy ransomware attacks against organizations worldwide. Such affiliates often gain initial access to victims’ networks and share profits with ransomware operators, forming a decentralized but highly effective criminal ecosystem.

INTERPOL officials warned that Africa is increasingly being targeted by cybercriminal syndicates due to rapid digital adoption and uneven cybersecurity defenses. The agency emphasized that sustained intelligence sharing, capacity building, and public-private collaboration are essential to disrupt cybercrime supply chains and protect digital economies as online services continue to expand across the continent.