A global INTERPOL-led crackdown has exposed a massive crypto Ponzi scheme tied to terrorism financing across 17 countries.
A joint operation by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL has resulted in 83 arrests across Africa, including suspects in Nigeria linked to a $562 million crypto Ponzi scheme defrauding investors in 17 countries.
Dubbed Operation Catalyst, the two-month sweep targeted financial crimes tied to terrorism financing and money laundering. INTERPOL identified 160 persons of interest and traced $260 million in illicit funds in both cash and crypto.
In Nigeria, 11 suspected terrorists, including alleged extremist leaders, were arrested. Investigators found the Ponzi network posed as a trading platform but secretly channeled funds into terrorist activities.
INTERPOL confirmed that a Red Notice has been issued for one mastermind accused of scamming victims of $5 million. Around $600,000 has been seized, with recovery efforts ongoing.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza called the operation a “milestone in cross-border policing,” while AFRIPOL’s Jalel Chelba praised Africa’s growing unity in combating complex financial crimes.
Discover more from DiutoCoinNews
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
