INTERPOL Africa Update – 574 arrests and $3 million recovered

As global cyber-enabled financial crime continues to accelerate, INTERPOL has intensified its operational focus on Africa, reflecting both the scale of the threat and the growing sophistication of transnational enforcement cooperation. In recent months, INTERPOL has repeatedly highlighted the rapid rise of cybercrime across the continent, particularly offences linked to digital fraud, ransomware and crypto-related scams.

This focus has now culminated in a coordinated multi-country cybercrime operation across Africa, resulting in hundreds of arrests, millions of dollars recovered and thousands of malicious online assets dismantled. The operation underscores a clear trend: enhanced information-sharing between African law enforcement agencies and international partners, with tangible consequences for individuals and businesses far beyond the continent itself.

In this blog, we examine INTERPOL’s latest coordinated cybercrime action in Africa, what it reveals about the organisation’s evolving enforcement priorities and why these developments matter for individuals who may face exposure to INTERPOL measures, including Red Notices and extradition proceedings.

Background

We have previously written extensively about INTERPOL’s initiatives to enhance its transnational financial crime fighting capabilities, both at domestic and international levels.

Most recently, we detailed how INTERPOL has collaborated with Indian law enforcement to enhance international cooperation, and how the Indian CBI’s use of INTERPOL Red Notice has increased since 2023.

Tracking INTERPOL’s broader collaboration, we have also examined how INTERPOL has worked with African law enforcement to disrupt criminal activity through the INTERPOL Silver Notice, as well as exploring reports showing that cybercrime is rising in two-thirds of African countries.

In addition, we have been tracking China’s increasing collaboration with INTERPOL, most recently through a high-level meeting between INTERPOL and China’s Ministry of Public Security focused on expanding cross-border collaboration in areas such as telecom fraud, asset recovery, fugitive repatriation and counter-terrorism. Recent reporting has also confirmed that Chinese authorities continue to use INTERPOL Red Notices to locate individuals suspected of wrongdoing.

Most recently, we discussed an INTERPOL cybercrime operation in Africa targeting crypto-related scams, as well as a meeting addressing organised crime across the continent.

INTERPOL-coordinated action in Africa

Returning to Africa, a coordinated cybercrime operation involving law enforcement authorities from 19 countries has resulted in the arrest of 574 suspects and the recovery of approximately $3 million. In addition, over 6,000 malicious links were taken down and six distinct ransomware variants were decrypted.

The operation focused on three prevalent crime types: business email compromise, digital extortion and ransomware.

The operation involved authorities across Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria.

Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, stated:

“The scale and sophistication of cyberattacks across Africa are accelerating, especially against critical sectors like finance and energy. The outcomes from Operation Sentinel reflect the commitment of African law enforcement agencies, working in close coordination with international partners. Their actions have successfully protected livelihoods, secured sensitive personal data and preserved critical infrastructure”.

What does this mean?

In relation to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information sharing – particularly involving  Africa – and easier access to evidence across jurisdictions may ultimately result in criminal charges against individuals based in the UK, extradition requests being issued against those based abroad or INTERPOL Red Notices more readily leading to the initiation of extradition proceedings.

Therefore, if you have conducted business and are concerned about potential liability or if you have unresolved financial matters, including even an outstanding civil dispute, and you suspect that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures such as a Red Notice, expert legal advice should be sought immediately.

How Gherson can help

Those who suspect that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red (or Blue) Notice and diffusion, should take heed.

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who believe they may have outstanding financial issues. That advice tackles:

1. How best to approach a possible INTERPOL notice;
2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Even exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who suspect they may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):

• INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
• How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
• How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice?
• What is INTERPOL’s Silver Notice?
• INTERPOL UPDATE – India charges 8 people in first Interpol Silver Notice Case
• What is an INTERPOL Yellow Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Green Notice and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice and can it be challenged?
• What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?

Gherson have over 36 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this blog or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice.  Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position.  Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog.  For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson.  Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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