Interpol, which includes 196 countries, coordinated a large-scale cybercrime crackdown across Africa.
Authorities arrested 260 suspects linked to online romance scams and sextortion during July and August.
Investigators targeted criminals who built fake romantic relationships to extort money or blackmail victims with explicit content.
The scams reached over 1,400 victims, who collectively lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million).
Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, said digital crimes, especially sextortion and romance scams, are surging.
He added that criminals exploit online platforms, causing severe financial and psychological harm to victims.
Local Authorities Crack Down on Fraud Rings
Ghanaian police arrested 68 suspects who used fake identities to demand fake shipping fees and secretly record victims.
Senegalese authorities captured 22 suspects posing as celebrities, scamming over 100 people out of $34,000 (€29,135).
Côte d’Ivoire police detained 24 suspects who used fake profiles to extort victims with intimate images.
Interpol coordinated these operations to prevent cross-border networks from exploiting digital anonymity.
Interpol Strengthens Global Crime-Fighting Coordination
Headquartered in Lyon, Interpol connects national police forces to track criminals in cybercrime, terrorism, child exploitation, and organised crime.
The organisation has struggled with rising cybercrime, child abuse cases, and growing divisions among member countries.
Interpol emphasised that collaboration between nations remains essential to protect victims and dismantle international criminal networks.
The agency continues to lead investigations, share intelligence, and provide resources for law enforcement worldwide.
