Interpol coordinated a large-scale operation in July and August, arresting 260 people linked to online romance and extortion scams.
Authorities conducted the raids across 14 African countries, targeting networks that tricked victims into sending money or sharing private images.
Criminals built fake romantic relationships to manipulate and blackmail individuals, exploiting social media and dating platforms.
Interpol reported that scams affected more than 1,400 victims, who collectively lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million).
National Police Strike Criminal Networks
Ghanaian authorities detained 68 suspects who used false identities to charge fake shipment fees and secretly film victims.
Senegalese police arrested 22 individuals who impersonated celebrities online, defrauding over 100 people of approximately $34,000 (€29,135).
Côte d’Ivoire authorities captured 24 suspects who created fake profiles to collect intimate images for blackmail.
Interpol emphasised that local police actions remain crucial to disrupting cross-border criminal networks and protecting victims.
Interpol Battles Growing Digital Threats
Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, coordinates 196 member countries to fight international crime and improve police collaboration.
The organisation tracks suspects in cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime, financial fraud, and child exploitation.
Interpol faces growing challenges from rising cybercrime, child abuse, and digital fraud that exploit international borders.
Cyril Gout, acting executive director of police services, warned that criminals increasingly exploit online platforms, causing financial and psychological harm.
Interpol continues to strengthen coordination among national forces, despite growing divisions and escalating global cyber threats.
