A coordinated international operation led by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL has resulted in multiple arrests in Nigeria. These include suspects linked to a massive cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded investors across 17 countries of more than $562 million.
The two-month crackdown, codenamed Operation Catalyst, was conducted between July and September 2025. It focused on financial crimes connected to terrorism financing and money laundering across Africa.
INTERPOL described the effort as a first-of-its-kind multinational action, leading to 83 arrests in six African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Angola. Authorities identified over 160 persons of interest and traced about $260 million in illicit funds, both in cash and cryptocurrency.
Arrests Linked to Terrorism and Crypto Fraud
In Nigeria, security forces arrested 11 suspected terrorists, including alleged senior members of extremist groups. Investigators also uncovered links between Nigerian suspects and a global cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. This scheme operated under the guise of a legitimate trading platform but was in fact tied to terrorist financing networks.
According to INTERPOL, the scheme targeted victims in at least 17 countries, including Cameroon and Kenya. It defrauded over 100,000 investors. “Several high-value crypto wallets tied to the operation are now under forensic investigation,” the agency said. Additionally, they noted that authorities are tracking transactions believed to have been funnelled into terrorism-related activities.
INTERPOL also revealed that a Red Notice has been issued for one of the operation’s alleged masterminds. This person is accused of defrauding victims of roughly $5 million through a complex network of crypto wallets and exchange platforms designed to conceal money trails.
Across the six countries involved, more than 15,000 individuals and entities were screened. This led to the seizure of about $600,000 so far. Investigations are ongoing to recover additional assets linked to both terrorism financing and financial fraud.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza described the effort as a milestone in cross-border policing cooperation. “Operation Catalyst marks the first time financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism units from multiple African countries have jointly targeted the financing of terrorism. By sharing intelligence and resources, we can more effectively disrupt financial flows that support extremist activities,” Urquiza said.
AFRIPOL Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, praised the initiative as a demonstration of African unity against sophisticated transnational crimes.“This operation proves that when African security agencies work together, they can deliver a strong, coordinated response to evolving security threats,” Chelba stated.
