Interpol, in coordination with AFRIPOL, has carried out a major law enforcement operation resulting in the arrest of 83 individuals linked to terrorism, cybercrime, and money laundering. The operation, named Catalyst, took place between July and September 2025 across six African nations, marking the first large-scale multinational effort to disrupt financial networks supporting terrorism.
Authorities reported uncovering approximately $260 million in both fiat and digital assets potentially tied to criminal activities. Over $600,000 has already been seized, with further investigations ongoing to locate additional funds.
Operation Goals and Arrest Breakdown
Interpol stated that the primary objective of Operation Catalyst was to identify and dismantle financial flows and schemes associated with terrorism financing and related illicit activities.
Among those arrested:
- 21 individuals are suspected of terrorism-related offenses
- 28 for financial fraud and money laundering
- 16 for cybercrime
- 18 for illegal use of virtual assets
During the two-month operation, authorities screened more than 15,000 individuals and organizations, revealing the scope of criminal networks across the continent.
Official Statements
Interpol Secretary-General Jürgen Valdési Urkisa emphasized the importance of international cooperation:
“Catalyst represents the first time that units combating financial crimes, cybercrime, and terrorism across multiple African countries have joined forces with Interpol and AFRIPOL. By sharing intelligence, expertise, and resources, we can more effectively disrupt financial flows that sustain terrorist activities, staying one step ahead of these threats and safeguarding our communities.”
AFRIPOL Executive Director Jalel Chelba highlighted the power of collaborative action:
“The success of Operation Catalyst demonstrates the synergy and convergence of national units addressing financial crime, cybercrime, and terrorism. This collaboration proves that the African law enforcement community, working together, can deliver decisive and effective responses toward a safer and more stable continent.”
Notable Cases and Seizures
Some high-profile cases during the operation included:
- Angola: 25 individuals of various nationalities arrested in connection with informal fund transfer networks tied to terrorism financing and money laundering. Authorities confiscated around $588,000, 100 mobile phones, 40 computers, and froze 60 bank accounts.
- Kenya: Authorities uncovered a crypto-based money laundering scheme worth $430,000, resulting in four arrests. An additional case involved the online recruitment of African youth into terrorist groups, with financial links traced through a crypto exchange to individuals in Tanzania.
- Nigeria: Eleven suspected terrorists, including senior members of multiple terror groups, were detained.
- International: A large-scale cryptocurrency pyramid scheme affecting over 100,000 victims across 17 countries was exposed, with losses totaling $562 million. Investigators identified major crypto wallets potentially connected to terrorism.
Interpol also issued a red notice for the mastermind of a $5 million crypto scheme, who allegedly laundered funds across multiple addresses to evade detection.
Crypto and Cybercrime Trends
Interpol representatives noted that while cryptocurrencies are increasingly utilized in financial crimes, they do not yet constitute the primary medium of payment for most cybercrimes. Cyber offenses accounted for roughly 30% of registered crimes in both West and East Africa during the operation.
This historic effort follows a previous large-scale Interpol operation in December 2023, during which 3,500 suspects were arrested and $300 million seized.
