Interpol has announced the arrest of 574 individuals following a large-scale international operation carried out simultaneously in Benin and 18 other African countries, marking one of the most coordinated cybercrime crackdowns on the continent in recent years.
The operation, led by the global policing body, is part of a broader strategy to combat the rapid growth of cybercrime in Africa. Authorities said those arrested are suspected of involvement in a range of online crimes, including digital scams, financial fraud, identity theft, and the distribution of malicious software. These activities have caused significant financial and economic damage to individuals, businesses, and public institutions.
In Benin, multiple arrests were made through joint operations involving specialized units of the Republican Police working closely with international partners. Law enforcement agencies seized computers, mobile phones, and other digital devices allegedly used to plan and carry out cybercriminal activities.
Interpol said the arrests form part of a wider framework of strengthened cooperation between African law enforcement agencies and international partners. The initiative aims to dismantle cross-border criminal networks, enhance local investigative capacity, and improve information sharing between national jurisdictions.
Officials described the scale of the operation as significant, noting that it sends a clear message to cybercriminals that online crimes will no longer go unchecked, even when carried out across multiple countries. They added that such actions are critical to protecting citizens and strengthening trust in digital systems as cyber threats become more sophisticated.
Those arrested are expected to be brought before the relevant judicial authorities in their respective countries, where prosecutions will proceed in line with national laws. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests.
The operation highlights both the growing threat posed by cybercrime in Africa and the importance of coordinated, multinational responses in tackling complex digital criminal networks.
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