INTERPOL Africa Update – 651 arrests and $4.3million recovered

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

We recently published a detailed article about INTERPOL’s collaboration with Indian law enforcement authorities, aimed at enhancing international cooperation, and have noted that the use of INTERPOL’s Red Notice by Indian CBI has increased since 2023.

Tracking INTERPOL’s broader collaboration efforts, we have reported on China’s efforts to strengthen its international cooperation with INTERPOL. This has been demonstrated via a high-level meeting between INTERPOL and China’s Ministry of Public Security, which was focused on expanding cross-border collaboration in areas such as telecom fraud, asset recovery, fugitive repatriation and terrorism and through recent reports confirming that the Chinese authorities continue to use the INTERPOL Red Notice to locate individuals suspected of wrongdoing.

Reporting on INTERPOL’s work in Africa, we have written about the organisation’s cooperation with African law enforcement, aimed at disrupting criminal activities by way of the INTERPOL Silver Notice, noting the rise in cybercrime in two-thirds of African countries.

Most recently, we have discussed an INTERPOL cybercrime operation in Africa, targeting scams involving crypto, a recent meeting to discuss organised crime across Africa and a significant number of arrests along with the recovery of $3 million.

INTERPOL coordinates further action in Africa

As part of a major coordinated cybercrime operation across Africa, law enforcement authorities from 16 African countries have made 651 arrests and recovered more than $4.3 million.

The operation targeted the infrastructure and actors behind high-yield investment scams, mobile money frauds and fraudulent loan applications.

More detailed information is provided on INTERPOL’s website.

The architecture of fraud: key cases reveal diverse scam models

• In Nigeria, police dismantled a high-yield investment fraud ring that recruited young individuals to carry out cyber-enabled crimes using phishing, identity theft, social engineering and fake digital asset investment schemes. Over 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts were taken down, and investigators uncovered a residential property constructed by the syndicate ringleader to serve as the operational hub for the criminal activities.
• In Kenya, authorities made 27 arrests linked to fraud schemes that used messaging apps, social media and fictitious testimonials to lure victims into making fake investments in reputable global corporations. Scammers solicited small initial investments ‒ as low as $50 ‒ with claims of lucrative returns. Victims were shown fabricated account statements or dashboards, but withdrawal requests were systematically blocked.
• In Côte d’Ivoire, law enforcement made 58 arrests and seized 240 mobile phones, 25 laptops and over 300 SIM cards in a targeted operation against mobile loan fraud. These scams predominantly targeted vulnerable populations through deceptive mobile applications and messaging services, attracting victims with promises of quick, unsecured loans, only to impose fees, enforce abusive debt-collection practices and illicitly harvest sensitive personal and financial data.
• In a separate major success for Nigerian authorities, six members of a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate were arrested for infiltrating the internal platform of a major telecommunications provider through compromised staff login credentials. An investigation led to the disruption of the scheme, which involved siphoning significant volumes of airtime and data for illegal resale.

What does this mean?

With regards to investigations against individuals, the potential for enhanced information sharing (particularly to or from Africa), and the potentially easier access to evidence, may ultimately result in charges being brought against individuals based in the UK, extradition requests being issued against those based abroad, or INTERPOL Red Notices  leading more readily to extradition proceedings.

If you are concerned about any liability resulting from business activities, or if you have unresolved financial matters, including even an outstanding civil dispute, and you fear that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice, expert legal advice should be sought at the earliest opportunity.

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 are concerned they may have outstanding financial issues which may engage INTERPOL. Our advice tackles the following:

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. 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 or 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 has 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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