Not less than 260 suspects have been arrested in 14 African countries in a sweeping crackdown on cybercrime linked to romance scams and sextortion, INTERPOL announced.
The two-week operation, code-named Operation Contender 3.0, ran from July 28 to August 11, 2025.
Police seized over 1,200 electronic devices, dismantled 81 online infrastructures, and identified nearly 1,500 victims. Losses connected to the scams are estimated at $2.8 million.
Investigators said suspects used fake profiles and stolen images on social media and dating platforms to lure victims into romance scams, while others blackmailed targets with intimate photos or videos in sextortion schemes.
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Ghana reported the highest arrests with 68 suspects and $70,000 recovered. In Senegal, 22 suspects allegedly impersonated celebrities to defraud 120 victims, while police in Côte d’Ivoire uncovered a sextortion ring with more than 800 victims.
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Cyril Gout, INTERPOL’s acting executive director of police services, warned that the rapid growth of online platforms is fueling digital crimes across Africa.
“These crimes cause not only financial loss but also severe psychological harm, and tackling them requires strong international cooperation,” he said.
The operation highlights the growing scale of cybercrime in Africa and the importance of joint enforcement efforts to keep people safe online.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.