How Interpol and Afripol exposed $260 million terrorism network across six countries
A joint operation targeting terrorism financing and the illicit activities sustaining it has led to 83 arrests across six African countries and the identification of 160 persons of interest.
Operation Catalyst, conducted between July and September 2025, was jointly coordinated by Interpol and Afripol to track and disrupt financial flows used to fund extremist groups. Authorities screened more than 15,000 individuals and entities, uncovering approximately USD 260 million in both fiat and virtual currencies potentially tied to terrorism-related activities. Over USD 600,000 has been seized, with investigations underway to trace and recover additional assets.
The operation revealed how terrorism financing networks often overlap with other criminal enterprises, including money laundering, cyber fraud, kidnapping for ransom, Ponzi schemes, and the misuse of cryptocurrencies. Of those arrested, 21 were linked to terrorism, 28 to financial fraud and money laundering, 16 to cyber-enabled scams, and 18 to the illicit use of virtual assets.
Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the joint initiative marks a turning point in counter-terrorism collaboration on the continent. “This is the first time financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism units from multiple African countries have joined forces to target terrorism financing,” he said.
Afripol Executive Director Ambassador Jalel Chelba hailed the cooperation between agencies, calling it a model for regional security. “Operation Catalyst illustrates how coordinated action between member states, facilitated by AFRIPOL and INTERPOL, can effectively address complex and evolving threats,” he said.
The operation was further supported by private-sector intelligence from Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
