Interpol, in partnership with AFRIPOL, conducted a large-scale operation called Catalyst across six African countries, resulting in the arrest of 83 individuals suspected of financing terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, and money laundering. Law enforcement agencies identified the illegal origins of approximately $260 million in fiat and cryptocurrencies and seized over $600,000. The operation lasted from July to September 2025 and became the largest coordinated effort of its kind on the African continent.
This is reported by Business • Media
Details of Operation Catalyst: Arrests, Seizures, and Key Suspects
Among the 83 arrested, 21 individuals are suspected of terrorist activities, 28 of financial fraud and money laundering, 16 of cybercrime, and another 18 of abusing virtual assets. Investigators checked over 15,000 individuals and organizations that could be involved in illegal financial flows. Law enforcement efforts continue, as some assets are still being sought.
Interpol highlights several key cases within Operation Catalyst:
- Angola: 25 individuals of various nationalities were arrested on suspicion of using informal money transfer systems to finance terrorism. Approximately $588,000, 100 mobile phones, 40 computers, and 60 bank accounts were frozen.
- Kenya: A scheme to launder $430,000 through digital assets was uncovered, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Two more were arrested for online recruitment of youth into terrorist groups with funding through cryptocurrency exchanges leading to Tanzania.
- Nigeria: 11 suspected terrorists were arrested, including high-ranking members of terrorist organizations.
- International Aspect: A cryptocurrency fraud pyramid scheme with over 100,000 victims in 17 countries and losses exceeding $562 million was uncovered. Large cryptocurrency wallets likely linked to financing terrorism were identified. The investigation is ongoing.
As part of the special operation, Interpol issued a “red notice” for the organizer of a cryptocurrency scheme with a turnover of $5 million, who disguised the flow of funds through numerous addresses to complicate tracking.
Use of Cryptocurrencies in Crimes and Law Enforcement Cooperation
“Operation Catalyst is the first instance where units combating financial crimes, cybercrime, and terrorism from many African countries have joined forces with Interpol and AFRIPOL to combat the financing of terrorism. By exchanging information, expertise, and resources, we can more effectively detect and disrupt financial flows that support terrorist activities, staying one step ahead of these threats and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Interpol Secretary-General Waldemar Urquiza emphasized the importance of international cooperation to combat complex criminal schemes. AFRIPOL Executive Director Jalel Chelba highlighted the synergy between units fighting financial crimes, cybercrime, and terrorism, enabling Africa to respond effectively to security challenges.
Interpol notes that the popularity of cryptocurrencies is accompanied by a rise in financial crimes involving their use. Official estimates indicate that in West and East Africa, cybercrimes account for about 30% of all recorded offenses. At the same time, experts emphasize that while cryptocurrencies are increasingly used in illegal activities, they are not the primary means of payment for most cybercrimes.
Recall that in December 2023, Interpol reported the arrest of 3,500 suspects and the seizure of $300 million in operations against cybercrime.