A coordinated worldwide operation led by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL has resulted in a number of arrests in Nigeria, together with suspects linked to a cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme that defrauded traders in 17 nations of greater than $562 million.
The 2-month operation, codenamed ‘Operation Catalyst’ ran from July to September 2025 and focused {financial} crimes tied to terrorism financing and cash laundering throughout Africa.
INTERPOL described the operation as the primary of its form, resulting in 83 arrests throughout six African nations — together with Nigeria, Kenya, and Angola — and the identification of greater than 160 individuals of curiosity. Authorities have thus far traced illicit funds price round $260 million in each fiat and digital currencies.
In Nigeria, 11 suspected terrorists, together with alleged senior members of extremist {groups}, have been apprehended as a part of the operation.
Investigators found hyperlinks between Nigerian contributors and a worldwide cryptocurrency Ponzi community posing as a legit buying and selling platform, which was later discovered to have connections to terrorist financing.
In accordance with INTERPOL, the fraudulent operation spanned 17 nations, together with Cameroon and Kenya, defrauding greater than 100,000 victims.
“A number of high-value crypto wallets tied to the operation are actually underneath forensic investigation, with authorities tracing transactions suspected to have been funnelled into terrorism-related actions,” INTERPOL stated.
INTERPOL disclosed {that a} Crimson Discover has been issued for one of many scheme’s alleged masterminds accused of scamming victims of roughly $5 million.
The suspect is believed to have used a fancy net of crypto wallets and exchanges to hide cash trails and evade detection.
Throughout the six taking part nations, over 15,000 people and entities have been screened, resulting in the seizure of about $600,000.
Authorities stated additional asset restoration efforts are ongoing, as investigations proceed to hint funds linked to terrorism financing and {financial} fraud.