Interpol said a global operation led to 58 arrests, including 39 in South Africa.
Why it matters: Romance, investment and business email compromise scams remain a major risk for consumers and businesses. The arrests show how police are targeting networks that operate across borders and move money through multiple accounts.
- INTERPOL said the coordinated operation targeted West African organized crime groups and led to 58 arrests worldwide.
- South African authorities raided seven locations in Johannesburg linked to romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries.
- South Africa arrested 39 people, seized USD 2.67 million and blocked 257 bank accounts.
- BBC reported the South Africa action was part of a broader global crackdown on West African cyber-crime networks.
INTERPOL said the operation targeted organized crime groups tied to cyber-enabled financial fraud, including romance scams, investment scams and business email compromise. The agency's release said the action led to 58 arrests globally.
In South Africa, police raided seven locations in Johannesburg linked to a syndicate running romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries. INTERPOL said authorities arrested 39 people, seized USD 2.67 million and blocked 257 bank accounts. The BBC's report also said the South Africa arrests were part of a wider crackdown.
INTERPOL's 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment said West African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Benin are active areas for romance-fraud networks. The report provides context for the region cited in the arrest operation.
By the numbers
- 58 - arrests worldwide in the coordinated operation, according to INTERPOL.
- 39 - arrests in South Africa, where police raided seven Johannesburg locations.
- 257 - bank accounts blocked in South Africa, according to INTERPOL.