A large-scale international operation named Catalyst was conducted across six African countries from July to September 2025. As a result of the joint efforts of Interpol and AFRIPOL, 83 individuals linked to terrorism, cybercrime, and financial fraud, including money laundering and the illegal use of cryptocurrencies, were arrested.
This is reported by Finway
Identified Crimes and Criminal Schemes
Law enforcement agencies checked over 15,000 individuals and organizations, which led to the discovery of illegal financial flows amounting to approximately $260 million in fiat and digital assets, likely connected to the financing of terrorism. Over $600,000 has already been seized from this amount, and efforts to identify additional assets are ongoing.
According to Interpol, the operation aimed to “identify and disrupt financial flows and schemes related to the financing of terrorism and the support of relevant networks.”
- Of the 83 arrested, 21 are suspected of terrorist activities, 28 of financial fraud and money laundering, 16 of cybercrimes, and 18 of the illegal use of virtual assets.
Results in Various Countries and International Cases
- Angola: 25 arrested in a case involving informal money transfer systems used to finance terrorism; approximately $588,000, 100 mobile phones, and 40 computers seized, and 60 bank accounts frozen.
- Kenya: A money laundering scheme involving $430,000 through virtual assets was uncovered, with two arrests; two more individuals were arrested for online recruitment of youth into terrorist groups, with funding routed through a cryptocurrency exchange to Tanzania.
- Nigeria: 11 arrested, including high-ranking members of various terrorist organizations.
- International Level: A cryptocurrency pyramid scheme causing $562 million in losses and affecting over 100,000 victims across 17 countries was uncovered. Large cryptocurrency wallets linked to terrorism were identified. Investigations are ongoing.
Additionally, Interpol has issued an international wanted notice for the organizer of a $5 million cryptocurrency scheme, who used multiple addresses to complicate the tracking of funds.
“Operation Catalyst is the first instance where financial crime, cybercrime, and terrorism units from multiple African countries have joined forces with Interpol and AFRIPOL to combat the financing of terrorism. By sharing information, expertise, and resources, we can more effectively detect and disrupt financial flows supporting terrorist activities, staying one step ahead of these threats and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Representatives from Interpol emphasized that as the use of cryptocurrencies spreads, so does the incidence of financial crimes associated with them. In particular, in West and East Africa, cybercrimes account for about 30% of all recorded crimes. Meanwhile, experts note that despite the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in crime, they are not the primary form of payment for most cybercrimes.
In December 2023, Interpol conducted a similar large-scale operation, during which 3,500 individuals were arrested and $300 million was seized.