A landmark joint mission, Operation Catalyst, has dealt a major blow to terror financing networks across Africa. Interpol and Afripol led the intensive three-month crackdown. The operation ran from July to September 2025.
Authorities arrested 83 individuals and seized $260 million in cash and cryptocurrency. This significant haul was previously fueling extremist activities. The mission spanned six nations: Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Sudan.
Uncovering Complex Criminal Methods
The operation exposed the sophisticated methods terror groups use to raise funds. Suspects utilized a mix of modern financial crimes. These included online fraud, complex money laundering, and illicit cryptocurrency transactions.
This investigation highlights how extremist groups exploit new technology to finance their operations.
Inside the Crackdown
Investigators screened over 15,000 individuals and organizations during the probe. This intensive review successfully identified 160 new suspects linked to terrorism.
The 83 arrests targeted a wide spectrum of criminal activities:
- 21 for direct terrorism offenses.
- 28 for fraud and money laundering.
- 16 for cyber-related scams.
- 18 for illegal cryptocurrency dealings.
Officials also froze numerous bank accounts and seized assets. This action effectively halted the flow of funds to designated terror groups.
Key Arrests and Seizures by Nation
Angola
Police in Angola apprehended 25 suspects involved in an illegal international money transfer ring. They confiscated $588,000, 100 phones, and 40 computers. Authorities also froze 60 related bank accounts.
Kenya
Kenyan investigators arrested two individuals tied to a $430,000 crypto laundering scheme. A separate case dismantled a digital network in Tanzania used to recruit youths into terror organizations.
Nigeria
Security forces in Nigeria captured 11 high-level terror suspects. This represents a significant disruption to extremist leadership and operations in the region.
Global Ponzi Scheme Exposed
The mission also unearthed a massive Ponzi scheme. The complex fraud masqueraded as an online trading platform.
It operated in 17 countries, including Cameroon, Kenya, and Nigeria. The scheme defrauded over 100,000 victims worldwide.
The platform amassed $562 million. Investigators found that a portion of these illicit funds was channeled to terrorist organizations.
Furthermore, a fugitive wanted for a separate $5 million crypto fraud remains at large. This case highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations on digital currencies to prevent criminal misuse.
A Unified Front Against Terror
Interpol’s Valdecy Urquiza praised the mission as a “triumph” for African security.
“By joining forces across cybercrime, financial crime, and counter-terrorism, we’re starving terror networks,” Urquiza stated.
Afripol’s Jalel Chelba echoed this sentiment. “United, we can outsmart even the slickest threats,” he said.
The mission received crucial support from Germany’s ISPA program. It also relied on intelligence from private crypto firms and data experts, proving the value of public-private partnerships.
The Future of Security After Operation Catalyst
Operation Catalyst serves as a new benchmark for combating organized crime in Africa. The arrests and financial seizures have severely disrupted extremist groups.
This success provides a powerful model for future joint missions. It also strengthens the continent’s resolve to tackle complex cyber threats.
Investigations are continuing. Authorities are now using the 160 new leads to dismantle remaining networks and recover more funds. This decisive action signals a new era in the fight against terror financing.
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