Authorities across 14 African countries have arrested 260 suspects and seized 1,235 electronic devices in a large-scale operation targeting cyber-enabled crime. The crackdown focused on transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, particularly social media, to defraud victims through romance scams and sextortion.
Operation Contender 3.0, conducted between July 28 and August 11, traced IP addresses, domains, social media accounts, and digital infrastructures linked to scam syndicates. The raids also resulted in the seizure of USB drives, SIM cards, forged documents, and the dismantling of 81 cybercrime networks across Africa. Investigators identified 1,463 victims, with estimated financial losses of nearly US$2.8 million.
Collaboration with private sector partners, including Group-IB and Trend Micro, enhanced data sharing and operational efficiency. INTERPOL reports facilitated swift enforcement actions, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime.
Cyril Gout, acting executive director of police services at INTERPOL, said, “Cybercrime units across Africa are reporting a sharp rise in digital-enabled crimes such as sextortion and romance scams. By working closely with our member countries and private sector partners, we remain committed to disrupting and dismantling the groups that prey on vulnerable individuals online.”
Key outcomes from participating countries include:
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Ghana: 68 arrests, 835 devices seized, 108 victims identified. Financial losses amounted to US$450,000, with US$70,000 recovered. Scammers used fake profiles, stolen images, and fabricated courier or customs fees to extract payments.
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Senegal: 22 arrests, 65 devices and forged documents seized, targeting 120 victims for US$34,000. Offenders impersonated celebrities and manipulated victims on social media and dating platforms.
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Cote d’Ivoire: 24 arrests, 29 devices seized, and 809 victims identified. Criminals created fake profiles to obtain intimate images and blackmailed victims for payments.
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Angola: 8 arrests targeting 28 victims, using fraudulent documents and fake identities to facilitate financial transactions and conceal offender identities.
The operation marks a significant step in dismantling cybercrime networks across Africa and protecting vulnerable online users from financial and psychological harm.
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