Interpol and 18 African countries, including Zambia, Ivory Coast and Angola, arrested 1,209 cyber criminals and recovered $97mn during investigations conducted between June and August 2025.

The France-based global crime-busting group said in a release on August 22 that 11,432 malicious infrastructures targeted almost 88,000 victims.

The biggest crackdown was undertaken in Zambia, where authorities dismantled a large-scale online investment fraud scheme, identifying 65,000 victims who lost an estimated $300mn.

“The scammers lured victims into investing in cryptocurrency through extensive advertising campaigns promising high-yield returns,” said Interpol.

“Victims were then instructed to download multiple apps to participate. Authorities arrested 15 individuals and seized key evidence, including domains, mobile numbers and bank accounts. Investigations are ongoing with efforts focused on tracking down overseas collaborators.”

In neighbouring Angola, investigators crushed 25 cryptocurrency mining centres, where 60 Chinese nationals were illegally validating blockchain transactions to generate cryptocurrency, said Interpol.

“The crackdown identified 45 illicit power stations which were confiscated, along with mining and IT equipment worth more than $37mn, now earmarked by the government to support power distribution in vulnerable areas,” it stated.

In Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa, authorities dismantled a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, arrested the ring leader and confiscated property including electronics, jewellery, cash and vehicles.  Victims were lured into paying money to claim non-existent inheritances, resulting in losses amounting to $1.6mn.

Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of Interpol, commented:

"Each Interpol-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims."

Other countries that participated in the operation were Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.