Interpol, the global police network with 196 member countries, coordinated a major operation against online scammers in Africa.
Authorities arrested 260 suspects across 14 African nations during July and August, linked to romance scams and sextortion schemes.
The criminals exploited social media and dating platforms, building fake romantic relationships to steal money or blackmail victims.
Interpol reported that over 1,400 victims lost nearly $2.8 million (€2.4 million) to these digital cons.
Criminals Used Deception and Blackmail
Interpol said Ghanaian police detained 68 individuals who tricked people with fake identities and filmed explicit content secretly.
In Senegal, officers arrested 22 suspects who impersonated celebrities to swindle over 100 victims out of $34,000 (€29,135).
Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire captured 24 suspects who created fake profiles to gain intimate images for extortion.
Cyril Gout, Interpol’s acting executive director of police services, warned that online platforms make it easier for criminals to exploit victims.
He said these scams inflict severe financial losses and emotional trauma, highlighting the need for coordinated international policing.
Interpol Strengthens Global Law Enforcement
Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, helps national police forces communicate and track criminals in cybercrime, organised crime, and terrorism.
The organisation supports investigations in financial crime, child exploitation, and other cross-border criminal activities.
Interpol faces growing challenges as cybercrime and online abuse escalate, while divisions among member states complicate cooperation.
Officials emphasised the importance of international collaboration to prevent criminals from exploiting digital networks and bypassing national laws.
