In a sweeping, first-of-its-kind operation, African law enforcement agencies have arrested 83 suspects and seized $260 million in cash and cryptocurrency linked to terrorism financing, cyber fraud, and global scam networks.

The three-month crackdown, codenamed Operation Catalyst, was jointly led by Interpol and Afripol and spanned six countries: Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Sudan.

Running from July to September 2025, the operation marked the continent’s first coordinated effort to dismantle financial pipelines sustaining extremist groups. Authorities screened over 15,000 individuals and entities, generating 160 new leads and exposing how terror funding increasingly intersects with cybercrime.

Among those arrested were 21 suspects facing terrorism charges, 28 for fraud and money laundering, 16 for online scams, and 18 for illicit use of virtual currencies. Investigators uncovered a massive Ponzi scheme disguised as a trading platform that defrauded more than 100,000 victims across 17 countries, with losses exceeding $562 million—some of which were allegedly funneled to militant organizations.

In Angola, police apprehended 25 multinational suspects and seized $588,000 in cash, along with 100 mobile phones, 40 computers, and 60 frozen bank accounts. Kenyan authorities arrested four individuals, including two linked to a $430,000 laundering operation and two accused of recruiting youth into terror cells using cryptocurrency trails traced to Tanzania. Nigeria’s sweep netted 11 alleged terrorists, including senior figures from multiple extremist outfits.

Interpol also issued a Red Notice for a fugitive behind a $5 million crypto fraud, whose funds were traced through digital wallets and exchanges before being cashed out. The operation was supported by Germany’s ISPA program and benefited from intelligence provided by Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security.

“This is the first time financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism units from several African countries have joined forces,” said Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza. “By sharing intelligence, we can disrupt the financial flows that keep terrorist networks alive.”

Afripol Executive Director Jalel Chelba praised the unprecedented collaboration, stating, “When African law enforcement works together, we can offer a strong and coordinated response to complex and evolving security threats.”

As Africa continues to grapple with rising extremism and the challenges posed by anonymous digital currencies, officials say Operation Catalyst sets a new benchmark for future joint operations. Despite persistent obstacles, the operation signals a growing capacity for cross-border cooperation in tackling terrorism financing and cyber-enabled crime.