How INTERPOL tracked the terror suspects linked to $260 million terrorism financing operation
INTERPOL nabs 11 terror suspects in Nigeria, exposing a $260 million terrorism financing operation linked to a massive cryptocurrency fraud network.
The dramatic arrests have unveiled one of Africa’s most sophisticated terror financing schemes, sending ripples through international security circles.
The terror suspects nabbed by INTERPOL in Nigeria were part of a sprawling cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme that swindled more than 100,000 victims across 17 countries out of over $562 million.
What appeared to be a legitimate crypto trading platform was actually a front for channeling funds to terrorist organizations.
Operation Catalyst, running from July to September 2025, saw INTERPOL and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) coordinate arrests of 83 suspects across Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, and South Sudan.
INTERPOL investigators have identified several high-value cryptocurrency wallets associated with the operation, which is currently undergoing forensic analysis to trace funds suspected of financing terrorist activities. The complexity of the financial web built by these terror suspects has shocked security analysts.
Authorities issued a Red Notice for one alleged mastermind who defrauded victims of approximately $5 million using an intricate network of crypto wallets and exchanges designed to hide money movements.
The 11 terror suspects INTERPOL nabbed in Nigeria are believed to be high-ranking operatives connected to multiple terrorist groups active in Nigeria and throughout the wider Sahel region.
Security officials warn that this reveals the deep penetration of terror networks in West Africa.
In Kenya, authorities arrested two terror suspects who used cryptocurrency to recruit young people into terrorist organizations across East and North Africa, with funds traced through crypto platforms back to contacts in Tanzania.
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Groundbreaking international operation
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted that Operation Catalyst marked the first time financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism divisions from multiple African nations collaborated with the Agency and AFRIPOL to dismantle terrorism financing networks.
Private sector partners, including Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security, played crucial roles by providing data analytics and cyber intelligence resources.
Throughout the operation, over 15,000 individuals and entities underwent screening, resulting in approximately $600,000 seized, with ongoing investigations working to recover more assets.
The successful operation where INTERPOL nabbed these terror suspects represents a major victory in Africa’s battle against terrorism financing. As authorities continue dismantling these criminal networks, the focus remains on preventing extremist groups from exploiting digital currencies to fund their deadly operations.
