Interpol targets romance scams: 260 arrested in Africa

Authorities in 14 African countries have arrested 260 people in a major crackdown on cybercrime targeting romance scams and sextortion.

The two-week operation, organised by INTERPOL, dubbed Operation Contender 3.0, was implemented between July 28 and August 11, 2025. Police seized more than 1,200 electronic devices, shut down 81 online crime infrastructures, and identified nearly 1,500 victims across the continent. Estimated losses…