By Rahim Abdul
Interpol has arrested 260 people across 14 African countries in a sweeping crackdown targeting online romance and extortion scams that have defrauded over 1,400 victims of nearly $2.8 million.
The international operation, which was carried out in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, exposed the alarming rise of online fraud schemes in Africa.
In Ghana, authorities arrested 68 suspects accused of using fake identities to lure victims into paying bogus shipment fees or blackmailing them with explicit videos.
In Senegal, police detained 22 individuals accused of impersonating celebrities to scam more than 100 victims out of $34,000. Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, 24 suspects were apprehended for using intimate images to extort their targets.
Interpol said the operation highlights the growing global threat posed by cyber-enabled romance scams, which have become increasingly sophisticated.
Officials warned the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious online activities to law enforcement agencies.
“This coordinated action shows our commitment to protecting people from online predators who exploit emotions and trust for financial gain,” Interpol stated.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities vowing to continue tracking down cross-border criminal networks involved in online fraud.
