Interpol coordinated a large-scale cybercrime crackdown, arresting 260 suspects across 14 African countries this summer.
Authorities focused on romance scams and sextortion, where criminals built fake online relationships to extort money or blackmail victims.
Investigators confirmed the schemes affected over 1,400 people, who collectively lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million).
Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, said digital crimes surged across Africa, exploiting growing online platforms.
He warned that cybercriminals cause severe financial losses and psychological harm to victims, increasing the urgency for international cooperation.
National Police Make Key Arrests
Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to trick victims into paying fraudulent shipping fees.
Investigators said suspects secretly recorded explicit videos to blackmail targets, a common method in sextortion crimes.
Senegalese police arrested 22 suspects who impersonated celebrities on social media to scam over 100 victims of roughly $34,000 (€29,135).
In Côte d’Ivoire, officers captured 24 suspects accused of creating fake profiles to steal and exploit intimate images.
Interpol highlighted that these cases expose organized criminal networks exploiting the lack of cross-border digital regulations.
Interpol Faces Global Cyber Challenges
Interpol operates from Lyon, France, supporting 196 member countries to track criminals and coordinate international policing.
The organisation focuses on cybercrime, organised crime, child exploitation, financial fraud, and counterterrorism.
Interpol reported that rising online crime and child sex abuse cases challenge traditional policing structures.
Officials noted growing divisions among member nations complicate joint operations and information sharing.
Despite these challenges, Interpol continues to strengthen cross-border cooperation to disrupt digital criminal networks worldwide.
