INTERPOL and AFRIPOL have busted $562 million crypto ponzi network in Nigeria and16 other countries.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that a global crackdown led by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL has resulted in multiple arrests in Nigeria and five other African countries, uncovering a massive cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded investors across 17 countries of more than $562 million.
Codenamed Operation Catalyst, the two-month operation (July–September 2025) targeted financial crimes linked to terrorism financing and money laundering across Africa.
According to INTERPOL, the coordinated effort led to 83 arrests across Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, Cameroon, and three other nations, while authorities identified over 160 persons of interest and traced illicit funds worth $260 million in both traditional and virtual currencies.
Nigerian Arrests Linked to Terrorism and Crypto Fraud
In Nigeria, 11 suspected terrorists, including alleged senior extremist group members, were arrested during the operation. Investigators also discovered connections between Nigerian suspects and a global crypto Ponzi platform posing as a legitimate trading site but allegedly used to channel funds into terrorist activities.
INTERPOL revealed that over 100,000 victims across Africa fell prey to the fraudulent network. Several high-value crypto wallets tied to the scheme are now under forensic investigation.
A Red Notice has also been issued for one of the alleged masterminds accused of defrauding investors of $5 million through a network of crypto wallets and exchanges designed to conceal money trails.
$600,000 Seized, More Recoveries Underway
The operation screened over 15,000 individuals and entities, leading to the seizure of approximately $600,000, with further asset recovery efforts ongoing.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza hailed the effort as a major step forward in cross-border intelligence sharing and law enforcement collaboration, saying:
“Operation Catalyst marks the first time financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism units from several African countries have united to disrupt terrorism financing.”
AFRIPOL’s Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, also commended the synergy among African agencies, emphasizing that joint operations strengthen Africa’s ability to counter complex financial threats.
Operation Catalyst received data and cyber intelligence support from Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security.
INTERPOL’s Wider Crackdown
In a related effort, INTERPOL had in August 2025 announced the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals and the dismantling of over 11,000 malicious online infrastructures in Operation Serengeti 2.0, which recovered $97.4 million from online fraud targeting nearly 88,000 victims across 18 African nations and the UK.