260 romance scammers and sextortionists caught in huge Interpol sting

Interpol’s Operation Contender 3.0 resulted in the arrest of 260 people across Africa, linked to romance scams and extortion, with investigators reporting 1,235 electronic devices seized and 1,463 victims identified, and losses estimated at around $2.8 million. The images accompanying the Interpol material show over 30 phones on a table, illustrating the devices scammers used to carry out their crimes.

Criminals lured victims with fake online identities built from stolen photos and forged documents, then pressed for bogus courier or customs fees, while others ran sextortion schemes that relied on secretly recorded explicit material. According to Interpol’s press release, the operation targeted alleged criminals from several countries across Africa.

The article notes that romance scams and related financial fraud remain a persistent threat, with authorities highlighting the methods and impact to help readers recognise and avoid falling prey.