Global Cyber-Crime Crackdown: Mass Arrests in Operation Jackal IV

A global crackdown on West African cyber-crime networks has resulted in the arrest of 58 individuals across 22 countries and six continents, in an operation dubbed Operation Jackal IV, coordinated by Interpol. The operation targeted those behind romance and investment scams, and also identified 263 suspects. Interpol said it was a response to the escalating global threat posed by these criminal networks.

The operation, which took place between November 2025 and June 2026, investigated how the groups laundered money and how financial fraud cyber crimes, such as cryptocurrency and email compromise fraud, were conducted. Scams often targeted retirees in English-speaking countries, Interpol said.

• 58 people linked to organised West African cyber-crime groups have been arrested
• 263 suspects have been identified
• Operation Jackal IV investigated how the groups laundered money and conducted financial fraud cyber crimes
• Scams often targeted retirees in English-speaking countries

Interpol’s Global Response

By following illicit financial flows across borders, we are attacking the very lifeblood of organised crime and making it increasingly difficult for criminal networks to profit from their activities, “Tomonobu Kaya, director of Interpol’s financial crime centre, said in a statement. “Operation Jackal IV demonstrates the power of international co-operation.

South African Police Raids

In South Africa, seven sites linked to a syndicate involved in romance and investment scams were raided, resulting in 39 arrests, the seizure of $2.67m (£1.96m), and the blocking of 257 bank accounts. The policing agency was on scene in Johannesburg to support local authorities during the raids.

West African Cyber-Crime Networks

The West African networks also participated in other serious and violent crimes, Interpol said. Operation Jackal IV is one of multiple Jackal police operations that have taken place since 2022, including Jackal III, which led to the arrests of 300 people linked to Black Axe and other affiliated groups. For more news, visit Watan News.