INTERPOL Africa update – INTERPOL cybercrime operation in Africa targets crypto-related scam

We have written previously about INTERPOL’s initiatives to enhance its transnational financial crime fighting capabilities, both domestically and internationally.

In our recent articles we have discussed how INTERPOL collaborates with Indian enforcement authorities to enhance international cooperation and how Indian CBI’s use of the INTERPOL Red Notice has increased since 2023.

In our previous publications we also reported on INTERPOL’s cooperation with African law enforcement to disrupt crime by way of the INTERPOL Silver Notice, noting that cybercrime is currently on the rise in two-thirds of African countries.

Finally, we have been tracking China’s increasing collaboration with INTERPOL, most recently via a high-level meeting between INTERPOL and China’s Ministry of Public Security which focused on expanding cross-border collaboration in areas such as telecom fraud, asset recovery, fugitive repatriation and terrorism. In addition, we have been able to confirm that the Chinese authorities continue to use the INTERPOL Red Notice to locate individuals suspected of wrongdoing.

INTERPOL announce major cybercrime crackdown in Africa

It has recently been reported that an INTERPOL crackdown spanning 18 countries in Africa targeting a scam with 88,000 victims has led to some impressive results:

• the arrest of 1,209 suspects across Africa;
• the recovery of nearly $97.4 million;
• dismantling 25 cryptocurrency mining centres, where 60 individuals had been mining cryptocurrency;
• confiscation of equipment worth over $37 million (which is now to be used to support power distribution in vulnerable areas).

The scam had all the hallmarks of a classic fraud with scammers luring victims into investing in cryptocurrency through adverts promising high returns.

INTERPOL and cryptoassets

We have previously written about INTERPOL’s specialist team developed to coordinate global efforts against digital assets crime in response to a growing number of reports of INTERPOL tools being used by various countries to pursue individuals suspected of criminality concerning cryptoassets.

Indeed, INTERPOL has recently been more active in seizing online digital wallets and exchanges, including the Cryptonator exchange, for allegedly receiving the proceeds of crime.

Crypto and Extradition

It is important to emphasise that if you fear allegations of wrongdoing concerning crypto assets, you may also be at risk of extradition.

As discussed in our previous blogs “Can I be extradited for allegations involving crypto?” and “Another US crypto extradition”, due to the borderless nature of crypto transactions, any allegation of criminality will inevitably involve multiple jurisdictions. As such, numerous countries may attempt to extradite an alleged perpetrator to their territory to bring them to justice. There have now been two examples of individuals who were extradited to the US in relation to allegations involving crypto.

The vast majority of criminal allegations that underpin a crypto criminal investigation (if not all) are of a financial-crime nature, e.g. fraud, money laundering or insider dealing. They can also include alleged offences relating to a breach of financial regulations.

These offences, by their very nature, can take place across several jurisdictions, and therefore, multiple countries may attempt to assert jurisdiction, including in relation to conduct outside of their own territory and even against someone who has never stepped foot in that country (hence extradition can be an option).

In order to locate a suspect and seek their arrest prior to issuing an extradition request, countries may request additional assistance from INTERPOL. With the advancement of technology underpinning crypto asset transactions, and due to its borderless nature, we are expecting to see a large increase in the instances of INTERPOL being used to locate individuals accused of crypto-related offences.

What does this mean?

Due to INTERPOL’s collaboration efforts, investigations against individuals may now benefit from enhanced information exchange (particularly to or from Africa), and potentially easier access to evidence from a broader scope of sources. This may ultimately result in charges being brought against individuals based in the UK, and extradition requests or INTERPOL Red Notices (leading to the initiation of extradition proceedings) being issued against those based abroad.

Therefore, if you are worried about business-related liability, or if you have unresolved financial issues (including outstanding civil disputes), and you fear that you may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red Notice, you should seek expert legal advice immediately.

How Gherson can help

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

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who fear potential outstanding financial issues. Our 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. 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 fear 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?

Gherson have over 30 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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