INTERPOL update: cybercrime in two thirds of African countries rising

Cybercrime now makes up over 30% of reported crime in Western and Eastern Africa. This blog outlines INTERPOL’s latest cyberthreat report, key statistics, enforcement challenges and the international legal risks individuals should be aware of.

Tracking INTERPOL’s broader collaboration

We have previously detailed how INTERPOL had collaborated with Indian enforcement to enhance international cooperation, with African law enforcement to disrupt criminal activity through the use of the Silver Notice, and also how INTERPOL had collaborated with Chinese enforcement to enhance international cooperation.

We now return to focus on cybercrime in Africa.

How much does cybercrime account for in all reported crimes in Africa?

According to INTERPOL’s report published in May 2025 (the  fourth edition of the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment), in two-thirds of the Organisation’s African member countries surveyed, cybercrime now accounts for over  30% of all reported crimes in Western and Eastern Africa.

What kind of cybercrimes are being reported?

Online scams (via phishing) are reported most frequently. Other crimes include ransomware and business email compromise (BEC).

Ransomware saw a significant increase in 2024, with South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya seeing the highest detections rates. Attacks were reported on the critical infrastructure, such as the breach at Kenya’s Roads Authority, and on government databases, such as hacks of Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics.

INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Director, Neal Jetton, noted that AI-driven fraud demands urgent attention.

What law enforcement challenges exist?

African law enforcement reported that the rise of cybercrime is outpacing the legal systems in place that are designed to prevent it.

Specifically, only 30% of countries have an incident reporting system, 29% maintain a digital evidence repository, and 19% have a cyberthreat intelligence database.

86% of the surveyed African member countries acknowledged the need for improved international cooperation.

What systems are currently in place to fight cybercrime?

INTERPOL reported higher investments in specialised units, digital forensics infrastructure and capabilities development in the African member states. The investments enabled INTERPOL to coordinate two operations – Operation Serengeti and Operation Red Card – which led to more than 1,000 arrests and the dismantling of a significant number of malicious networks.

What does INTERPOL recommend to the African nations?

To strengthen the systems in place to tackle cybercrime in the African member states, the INTERPOL report proposed six strategic recommendations to law enforcement agencies, policymakers, regional bodies and international partners:

1. Strengthening national capabilities
2. Enhancing legal and policy frameworks
3. Improving regional and international cooperation
4. Expanding prevention and public awareness
5. Deepening public-private partnerships
6. Leveraging emerging technologies for cybercrime prevention

International crypto dimension: criminal investigations, litigation and extradition

Those who fear they may be subject to an extradition request from the UK, or are just concerned about liability across multiple jurisdictions including the UK, should get in touch.

Gherson’s criminal litigation, regulatory and investigatory team combine an expert knowledge of criminal and regulatory law underpinned with a firm understanding of digital assets and blockchain technology.  As such, the team are able to provide expert strategic advice to anyone facing investigation in relation to any allegation of criminality involving cryptoassets. Working alongside the extradition team, Gherson’s criminal litigation, investigations and regulatory team are able to provide an unparalleled service in any case with an international dimension.  The team are also able to call upon lawyers in multiple other jurisdictions and build multi-jurisdictional teams to assist with any suitable defence.

INTERPOL, Red Notices and cybercrime

In addition, those who fear that a jurisdiction may have requested INTERPOL to process data relating to them in connection with offences involving cybercrime, crypto, or are just concerned about potential liability, should get in contact.

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

1. How to best approach a possible INTERPOL red 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 fear they might be subject to INTERPOL measures (including 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

Regulation and compliance

In these constantly changing times, firms that deal with cryptoassets, and additionally have exposure to firms that do, will need to carefully consider all their systems and controls to ensure that they are able to comply with all relevant AML and sanctions regulations.

Updated: 24.06.2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s white-collar crime and regulatory team are able to provide advice and assistance with AML and sanctions compliance, including in situations involving cryptoassets.

Additionally, the team have recently started a series on the regulation of crypto, with the aim of advising those who work in the compliance of this sector.  In addition, for those who would like advice on relevant issues, including those who have had issues with the FCA registration process, our specialist regulatory and compliance team can guide individuals and companies through the process.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further 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.

©Gherson 2025