What happened
A major coordinated cybercrime operation led by INTERPOL—dubbed Operation Contender 3.0—has resulted in the arrest of 260 suspects across 14 African countries. The large-scale sweep, conducted between July 28 and August 11, 2025, targeted organized networks behind romance scams and sextortion schemes that defrauded thousands of victims across the continent and beyond.
What was targeted
The operation focused on two rapidly growing online crimes:
Romance scams: Fraudsters create fake online relationships to emotionally manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal details. Sextortion: Criminals trick victims into sharing explicit content, then blackmail them for money under threat of public exposure.
Scale and results
The crackdown led to 260 arrests, the seizure of 1,235 electronic devices, and the dismantling of 81 cyber infrastructures. Investigators identified over 1,400 victims, with estimated losses of more than USD 2.8 million linked to the fraudulent activities.
Country breakdown
In Ghana, 68 suspects were arrested for creating fake profiles, using stolen images, and engaging in sextortion schemes. Authorities identified about 108 victims and recorded financial losses of approximately USD 450,000, recovering about USD 70,000.
In Senegal, 22 individuals were arrested for impersonating celebrities and manipulating victims through emotional deception, with over 120 victims and financial losses of around USD 34,000 reported.
In Côte d’Ivoire, 24 people were arrested for creating fake online identities and blackmailing victims using intimate materials, with roughly 809 victims identified.
In Angola, 8 suspects were detained for social media–based scams and the use of forged documents to deceive and steal from victims both locally and internationally.
Other participating nations included Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.
Items seized and digital tracing
Authorities recovered mobile phones, laptops, USB drives, forged ID documents, and numerous SIM cards. Investigators tracked IP addresses, domains, and social media accounts linked to scam operations. Data sharing and intelligence coordination took place through INTERPOL’s Cyber Fusion Centre, with cybersecurity partners like Group-IB and Trend Micro providing technical support.
Why it matters
INTERPOL highlighted a sharp increase in romance scams and sextortion across Africa, driven by growing internet access and the popularity of online dating platforms. These crimes not only cause severe financial losses but also lead to deep emotional and psychological trauma for victims, many of whom remain silent due to fear or shame.
Official comment
INTERPOL’s African Cybercrime Operations Desk commended the operation’s success, describing it as a “powerful message that online criminals cannot hide behind screens.” National police agencies are continuing investigations, with efforts to prosecute offenders and return recovered funds to victims.
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