Interpol, the world’s largest police network with 196 members, led a major cybercrime operation across Africa.
Authorities arrested 260 suspects involved in online romance scams and sextortion, the organisation reported Friday.
Investigators ran operations in July and August across 14 countries, targeting criminals who exploited victims through fake romantic relationships.
Scammers blackmailed targets with explicit images and coerced payments, affecting over 1,400 victims who lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million).
Fraudsters Used Fake Identities to Exploit Victims
Interpol reported that criminals in Ghana tricked 68 people using false identities and fraudulent shipping fees.
Suspects secretly recorded intimate videos and used them to blackmail victims into paying money, police said.
In Senegal, officers captured 22 individuals who impersonated celebrities online and scammed over 100 victims of approximately $34,000 (€29,135).
Côte d’Ivoire authorities detained 24 suspects for creating fake profiles and extorting victims with private images.
Interpol Strengthens Global Law Enforcement Cooperation
Headquartered in Lyon, Interpol helps police forces communicate and track criminals across borders.
It fights crimes including terrorism, financial fraud, child exploitation, cybercrime, and organised crime.
Cybercrime units across Africa reported rising digital-enabled crime, with networks exploiting online platforms for profit.
Interpol leaders warned that criminals increasingly cause psychological harm alongside financial losses.
The organisation continues to face challenges, including rising cybercrime, child abuse cases, and tensions among member countries.
