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A major international police operation has struck a significant blow against cybercrime syndicates across Africa. In a two-week sweep dubbed Operation Contender 3.0, Interpol coordinated raids in 14 countries, leading to the arrest of 260 suspects. The operation targeted sophisticated networks behind romance scams and extortion schemes, which collectively defrauded victims of nearly $2.8 million. Authorities seized over 1,200 electronic devices and dismantled 81 criminal infrastructures, with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal emerging as key hotspots. This successful crackdown, supported by private cybersecurity firms and international funding, highlights the growing threat of digital crime on the continent. It also underscores the powerful results achievable through cross-border collaboration, combining law enforcement and technical expertise to safeguard online users.
Business Insider Africa