Global Cybercrime Crackdown Nets 94 Suspects Across Nigeria, 71 Other Countries
Global Operation Targets Cybercrime Networks
AN international cybercrime operation coordinated by INTERPOL has dismantled more than 45,000 malicious IP addresses and servers linked to phishing, ransomware and malware attacks, leading to the arrest of 94 suspects across Nigeria and 71 other countries and territories.
The law enforcement operation, codenamed Operation Synergia III, ran for six months between July 2025 and 31 January 2026, bringing together police agencies from 72 countries and territories to tackle cybercriminal networks operating across borders.
In a statement released on Friday, INTERPOL said the operation converted vast amounts of intelligence data into actionable information, allowing national authorities to carry out coordinated raids, seize equipment and disrupt ongoing cybercrime activities.
In addition to the suspects already arrested, 110 other individuals remain under investigation in connection with the global cybercrime schemes.
Intelligence Sharing and Global Collaboration
According to INTERPOL, the success of the operation was driven by enhanced information sharing and operational coordination between participating countries.
Investigators analysed large volumes of cyber intelligence to track malicious online infrastructure used by criminal groups to launch attacks.
This intelligence enabled national authorities to carry out targeted enforcement actions, including raids on suspected cybercrime hubs and the seizure of electronic equipment used to carry out illegal activities.
During the operation, law enforcement agencies confiscated 212 electronic devices and servers believed to have been used in cybercrime operations.
INTERPOL also worked closely with cybersecurity firms Group-IB, Trend Micro, and S2W to identify and track malicious servers linked to phishing campaigns and other cyber threats.
Major Cybercrime Ring Discovered in Macau
One of the most significant breakthroughs occurred in Macau in China, where investigators identified more than 33,000 phishing and fraudulent websites.
Authorities said the websites were designed to mimic legitimate platforms such as banks, government services, casinos and payment systems.
Victims were often tricked into depositing money into fake accounts or providing personal information and credit card details, which criminals later used for financial fraud.
Arrests and Operations Across Several Countries
Beyond Macau, law enforcement agencies recorded several successful operations across different regions.
In Togo, police arrested 10 suspects operating a cyber fraud ring from a residential area.
Investigators said the group specialised in hacking social media accounts and carrying out social engineering scams such as romance fraud and sextortion.
After gaining access to victims’ online accounts, the criminals would impersonate the account holder to contact friends, family members and acquaintances.
They would then build fake relationships or fabricate emergencies in order to persuade secondary victims to transfer money.
Meanwhile, authorities in Bangladesh arrested 40 suspects and seized 134 electronic devices connected to various cybercrime schemes.
The suspects were linked to activities including loan scams, job scams, identity theft and credit card fraud.
Cybercrime Threat Continues to Grow
INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, Neal Jetton, said the operation highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks worldwide.
“Cybercrime in 2026 is more sophisticated and destructive than ever before,” Jetton said.
“But Operation Synergia III stands as a powerful testament to what global cooperation can achieve.”
He noted that international partnerships remain essential for dismantling criminal networks and protecting victims in an increasingly digital world.
Nigeria Among Participating Countries
Nigeria was among the 72 countries and territories that participated in the operation, alongside nations across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Other participating countries included South Africa, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, France and India.
INTERPOL said investigations into several cybercrime networks uncovered during the operation are still ongoing.
Authorities warned that cybercriminals continue to exploit digital platforms and cross-border anonymity to target victims globally.
However, the organisation emphasised that coordinated international enforcement actions remain one of the most effective tools for disrupting these criminal networks.
