The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) says a recent operation targeting cybercrime across 21 African countries has resulted in 1,462 arrests and the recovery of more than $105 million in illicit funds.
The operation targeted online investment scams, digital blackmail and other forms of cybercrime that collectively caused losses exceeding $385 million and affected nearly 66,000 victims, according to information released by the organisation.
Among the key actions was the arrest of 365 foreign nationals in Uganda over alleged involvement in fraudulent investment schemes targeting victims in Asia, including pensioners.
Investigators also uncovered fraud schemes in Nigeria, shut down illegal cryptocurrency mining operations in Angola, investigated fraudulent mobile loan schemes in Tanzania and exposed a vehicle import scam in Gabon.
Other participating countries included Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Cameroon and Zimbabwe, alongside the United States.
Interpol said the operation highlighted the scale and diversity of cybercrime across the continent, with criminal networks exploiting digital platforms and financial services to defraud victims across national borders.
The fraudulent investment schemes reportedly targeted people in Asian countries, demonstrating how cybercriminals can operate from one jurisdiction while targeting victims thousands of kilometres away.
The operation also addressed different forms of technology-enabled fraud, ranging from cryptocurrency-related offences to mobile lending scams and online schemes that exploit consumers seeking investment opportunities.
Interpol warned that criminals were increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to make scams more sophisticated, potentially making fraudulent communications and investment offers harder for victims to distinguish from legitimate services.
The organisation said several investigations remained ongoing, indicating that further arrests or developments could follow as authorities continue tracing suspected criminal networks and financial transactions.
The recovery of more than $105 million represents funds identified and recovered during the operation, while the reported losses of over $385 million reflect the broader financial impact of the crimes under investigation.
Interpol coordinates international police cooperation, helping law enforcement agencies in member countries share intelligence and work across borders to investigate offences that extend beyond individual jurisdictions.
The latest operation underscores the challenges facing authorities as cybercriminals increasingly use digital platforms, online financial services and emerging technologies to target victims across multiple countries.
