Interpol, the global policing network with 196 member nations, coordinated a major cybercrime crackdown across Africa.
Authorities arrested 260 suspects involved in online romance and sextortion scams during July and August operations.
The criminals targeted victims by creating fake romantic relationships and demanding money or threatening with explicit images.
Investigators identified over 1,400 victims who lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million) to these online fraud networks.
Criminal Networks Exploit Digital Platforms
Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to trick victims into paying false shipment fees.
Police said criminals secretly recorded explicit videos to extort money from their targets.
Senegalese officers captured 22 suspects who impersonated celebrities online, stealing approximately $34,000 (€29,135) from over 100 people.
Côte d’Ivoire police arrested 24 suspects who created fake profiles to obtain intimate content and blackmail victims.
Interpol highlighted that online platforms provide criminals with new opportunities to exploit people, causing financial and psychological harm.
Interpol Strengthens International Cooperation
Headquartered in Lyon, Interpol helps police forces communicate, track criminals, and combat terrorism, cybercrime, and organised crime.
The organisation monitors financial fraud, child exploitation, and cyber-enabled crimes, coordinating cross-border investigations.
Interpol now faces growing challenges, including rising digital crimes, child abuse cases, and disagreements among member countries.
Officials stressed that international collaboration remains essential to dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable online users worldwide.
