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The operation targeted criminal networks using social media to scam people
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More than 260 suspected cybercriminals have been arrested in a major sting operation targeting sextortion and romance scams across 14 African countries.
The crackdown, coordinated by Interpol and funded by the UK government, dismantled criminal networks exploiting victims through social media and digital platforms. Victims were lured into online relationships, then blackmailed with explicit content or defrauded through false promises.
“It doesn’t take long before you develop a connection with somebody… and very quickly this trust is shattered,” said Interpol’s Director of Cybercrime, Neal Jetton, in an interview with the BBC.
Investigators identified more than 1,400 victims in Ghana, Kenya, Angola, Ivory Coast and other countries, with losses estimated at nearly $2.8 million (£2.1m). Older people were particularly affected, according to Jetton.
The two-month operation, conducted between July and August, led police to uncover IP addresses, domains, and social media profiles linked to scam syndicates. Authorities also seized USB drives, SIM cards, forged documents, and shut down 81 cybercrime groups.
Country Highlights
Other countries that took part include Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Guinea, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.
Interpol officials said the operation reflects a rising tide of digital-enabled crimes on the continent.
“Cybercrime units across Africa are reporting a sharp rise in sextortion and romance scams,” said Cyril Gout, Interpol’s Acting Executive Director of Police Services. “The growth of online platforms has created new opportunities for criminal networks, causing both financial loss and psychological harm.”
Jetton emphasized the scale of the threat: “Whenever we ask countries to rank their top cyber threat, without fail, online scams come first. Millions of people click on phishing emails every day—it’s very difficult to combat.”
Interpol pledged to continue disrupting and dismantling syndicates preying on vulnerable individuals online.
Source: BBC
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