Interpol's Operation Sentinel Nets 574 Cybercriminals in 19 African Nations, Decrypts 6 Ransomware Strains

Global Cybercrime Crackdown: Interpol Leads Operation Sentinel, Netting 574 Suspects Across 19 Nations

In a sweeping victory against the digital underworld, Interpol has announced the successful conclusion of 'Operation Sentinel,' a massive international effort that has led to the apprehension of 574 individuals across 19 African nations. This coordinated strike not only dismantled significant cybercriminal operations but also successfully decrypted six strains of ransomware, disrupting networks that had inflicted an estimated $21 million in damages. The operation, a testament to global law enforcement collaboration, also managed to recover approximately $3 million in illicit gains.

Key Threats Unmasked and Neutralized

Operation Sentinel, which ran from late October to late November, focused on two of the most insidious cyber threats plaguing businesses and individuals alike: Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams and ransomware. These sophisticated attacks have become the bane of modern digital existence, preying on trust and technological vulnerabilities. The operation's success underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics and the equally robust, albeit often reactive, response from international agencies.

Tangible Results: Arrests, Recoveries, and Decrypted Data

The sheer scale of Operation Sentinel is remarkable. Beyond the 574 arrests, authorities neutralized over 6,000 malicious links, effectively pruning the digital vine of criminal activity. In Benin, for instance, law enforcement was particularly effective, taking down 43 rogue domains and blocking a staggering 4,318 social media accounts linked to extortion and fraud schemes, which resulted in 106 arrests. Similarly, in Cameroon, a swift response to a phishing campaign targeting an online vehicle marketplace led to the swift freezing of perpetrators' bank accounts, showcasing the speed at which some of these operations can now move.

From Financial Havoc to Infrastructure Protection

Neil Jetton, Director of Cybercrime at Interpol, highlighted the escalating threat landscape in Africa, noting the particular vulnerability of critical sectors like finance and energy. "The scope and complexity of cyberattacks across Africa are growing, particularly against critical sectors such as finance and energy," Jetton stated. "The outcomes of Operation Sentinel reflect the commitment of African law enforcement agencies working closely with international partners. Their actions have successfully protected livelihoods, secured sensitive personal data, and preserved critical infrastructure." This sentiment was echoed by concrete examples: in Senegal, a BEC attempt targeting a major oil company was thwarted, preventing a fraudulent transfer of $7.9 million. Meanwhile, in Ghana, a ransomware attack encrypting 100 terabytes of data was met with ingenuity; forensic analysis allowed for the creation of a decryption tool, recovering nearly 30 terabytes and leading to suspect arrests. Another major success in Ghana involved dismantling a cross-border cyberfraud network operating in Ghana and Nigeria, which had defrauded over 200 victims of more than $400,000 through expertly crafted fake apps and websites.

A Growing Shadow: The Pervasive Reach of Cybercrime

Interpol's concerns about the surge in cybercrime across Africa are not new. As far back as June 2025, the organization flagged that illicit online activities accounted for over 30% of all recorded crimes in West and East Africa. This alarming statistic is further substantiated by reports from member states, where approximately two-thirds indicated that cybercrime constitutes a moderate to high proportion (10-30% or more) of their total criminal caseload. Previous operations, such as the 'Red Card' operation which resulted in 306 arrests, and 'Serengeti,' which disrupted networks responsible for $193 million in losses, demonstrate a consistent and growing need for such international collaborative efforts.