A joint international operation spearheaded by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) has led to multiple arrests across Africa, including in Nigeria.
The operation targeted individuals allegedly involved in a massive global cryptocurrency ponzi scheme that reportedly defrauded investors of more than $560 million.
The two-month operation, code-named ‘Operation Catalyst’, was conducted between July and September 2025, targeting financial networks suspected of laundering money and financing terrorist groups through crypto assets.
At least 11 suspected extremists were arrested in Nigeria during the sweep, some of whom were believed to be senior figures in outlawed groups.
Investigators reportedly traced their activities to an online investment platform that promised high-yield crypto returns but was found to be diverting proceeds to fund terrorist cells in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to INTERPOL, the operation led to 83 arrests across six countries; Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Angola, Namibia, and South Sudan, while more than 15,000 individuals and entities were screened.
Authorities also identified 160 persons of interest and recovered assets worth about $600,000, with another $260 million in suspicious funds under investigation.
A red notice has been issued for one of the alleged masterminds accused of scamming victims of about $5 million through a network of digital wallets and exchange platforms used to conceal money trails.
INTERPOL secretary-general, Valdecy Urquiza described the operation as a major step in cross-border policing, saying collaboration between cybercrime, financial-intelligence, and counter-terrorism units made the breakthrough possible.
“By sharing intelligence and resources, we can more effectively disrupt financial flows that support terrorist activities,” Urquiza said.
AFRIPOL’s executive director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, also commended the operation, noting that it showed the growing capability of African law enforcement to respond collectively to complex transnational threats.
Private-sector partners, including Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security, provided technical and blockchain-tracking support throughout the investigation.
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