Nearly 600 suspects have been arrested in 19 African countries following a continent-wide operation targeting cybercrime, Interpol has announced.

The co-ordinated crackdown led to the dismantling of more than 6 000 malicious links used to infect mobile phones and computers through phishing emails and fraudulent text messages. Authorities also recovered about three million United States Dollars linked to cyber-enabled criminal activity.

Interpol said the operation brought together national law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and private sector partners, highlighting the growing emphasis on cross-border cooperation to combat digital crime.

Cybercriminal networks operating across Africa have increasingly relied on phishing scams and malware to steal personal information and siphon funds from victims, often exploiting the widespread use of mobile banking and online services.

The agency noted that the operation underscores both the scale of cybercrime on the continent and the need for sustained collaboration to counter increasingly sophisticated online threats.

–ChannelAfrica–