Operation Catalyst by Interpol and Afripol flagged $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat tied to terrorism financing and cybercrime in Africa, leading to 83 arrests across six countries and the seizure of $600,000 in assets.
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83 arrests across six African countries targeted terrorism financing, fraud, and crypto-related crimes in Operation Catalyst.
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Operation Catalyst addressed crypto-based Ponzi schemes and money laundering networks exploiting virtual assets.
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Authorities seized $600,000 so far from $260 million flagged, with collaborations from Binance and other private sector entities providing key intelligence.
Discover how Interpol’s Operation Catalyst combats crypto terrorism financing in Africa, flagging $260 million in illicit funds. Stay informed on global crypto crime trends and protective measures for investors today.
What is Operation Catalyst by Interpol?
Operation Catalyst is a landmark joint initiative between Interpol and Afripol aimed at disrupting terrorism financing and cybercrime networks in Africa through the identification and seizure of illicit financial flows, including cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. Launched between July and September 2025, the operation resulted in 83 arrests across six African countries and flagged $260 million in suspicious assets, with $600,000 seized to date. This effort highlights the growing role of international cooperation in tackling crypto-enabled crimes.
How Does Crypto Factor into African Terrorism Financing?
Cryptocurrencies play a significant role in facilitating terrorism financing and cybercrimes in Africa due to their borderless nature and relative anonymity, as evidenced by cases uncovered in Operation Catalyst. For instance, a crypto-based Ponzi scheme masquerading as a legitimate exchange defrauded over 100,000 victims across at least 17 countries, stealing $562 million, with some wallets potentially linked to terrorism activities, according to Interpol reports. In Kenya, a money laundering operation attempted to process funds through a legitimate virtual asset service provider, resulting in 12 suspects identified and two arrests, further connecting crypto misuse to terrorist networks.
Private sector involvement was crucial, with data from entities like Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security equipping law enforcement to trace illicit crypto flows. The Binance Investigations team provided operational intelligence, forensic tools, and analysis, supporting disruptions of coordinated criminal operations. A spokesperson from the team noted that crypto exchanges are now primary allies to law enforcement, having responded to nearly 65,000 requests last year and delivered over 100 training sessions to more than 14,800 officials worldwide.
Interpol’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report underscores the surge in crypto-fueled crimes, stating that two-thirds of African member countries report cyber-related offenses as a medium to high share of all crimes, comprising about 30% in Western and Eastern Africa. An Interpol expert explained to COINOTAG that as crypto adoption rises, so do sophisticated techniques like stablecoins and coin mixers used in ransomware and extortion. However, traditional methods such as bank transfers and gift cards remain prevalent in scams like business email compromises.
Nigeria stands out with a notable increase in crypto-related fraud, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused politicians of concealing illicit wealth in digital assets. The expert emphasized that while crypto is increasingly exploited, it is not the dominant payment method for most cybercrimes, but its ease of access lowers barriers for criminals.
Of the 83 arrests in Operation Catalyst, 21 were directly related to terrorism, 28 to fraud and money laundering, 16 to online scams, and 19 to the illicit use of virtual assets. The operation identified 160 persons of interest, marking a first-of-its-kind effort to target financial support for terrorism in the region. This collaboration between Interpol, Afripol, and private partners demonstrates a proactive stance against evolving threats in the crypto ecosystem.
Authorities continue investigating high-value wallets from the Ponzi scheme, which affected nations including Nigeria, Cameroon, and Kenya. The Kenya case involved links to terrorism financing, underscoring how virtual assets are integrated into broader criminal networks. Such operations not only seize assets but also build capacity for future enforcement through shared intelligence and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Were the Key Outcomes of Operation Catalyst in Africa?
Operation Catalyst resulted in 83 arrests across six African countries, flagging $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat, with $600,000 seized. It targeted terrorism financing, fraud, and crypto crimes, identifying 160 persons of interest and disrupting networks like Ponzi schemes and money laundering operations.
How Is Interpol Collaborating with Crypto Exchanges Like Binance to Fight Terrorism Financing?
Interpol partners with crypto exchanges such as Binance by leveraging their forensic tools and data-sharing capabilities to track illicit flows. In Operation Catalyst, Binance provided intelligence that aided arrests and asset seizures, emphasizing exchanges’ role as key allies in global law enforcement efforts against crypto-enabled crimes.
Key Takeaways
- International Cooperation is Vital: Partnerships between Interpol, Afripol, and private firms like Binance enabled the flagging of $260 million in illicit funds and 83 arrests in Operation Catalyst.
- Crypto’s Dual Role in Africa: While adoption grows, cryptocurrencies increasingly facilitate terrorism financing and cybercrimes, as seen in Ponzi schemes stealing $562 million from thousands of victims.
- Ongoing Vigilance Needed: Law enforcement should continue building expertise through training and intelligence sharing to counter evolving threats from stablecoins and mixers in African crime networks.
Conclusion
Operation Catalyst exemplifies the critical intersection of Interpol’s efforts against crypto terrorism financing in Africa, where $260 million in illicit assets were flagged and 83 individuals arrested amid rising cyber threats. By integrating insights from the Interpol 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report and collaborations with entities like Binance, authorities are strengthening defenses against virtual asset misuse. As crypto adoption expands, sustained international action will be essential to safeguard financial systems and protect communities from these evolving risks—investors and regulators alike should prioritize awareness and compliance for a secure digital future.
