Interpol hails Africa Joint Operations against Cybercrimes

Crime Reporter

The International Criminal Police Organisations (Interpol) has hailed the Africa Joint Operations against Cybercrimes (AfJOC) saying it has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s response to cybercrimes.

Cybercrime in Africa is growing as new opportunities online bring new vulnerabilities.

The African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) and INTERPOL have since joined forces to combat these increasing threats.

The initiative focuses on cross-border cooperation in dismantling cybercriminal networks. This collaboration signals dedication to growing Africa’s digital infrastructure, securing its online environment, and forming strong international partnerships.

Addressing law enforcement officers this Tuesday in Harare during a debriefing meeting of the Africa Cyber Surge 3.0 Operation, the head of Interpol Regional Bureau Harare Mr Sello Moerane said he is happy to see progress in combating cybercrime in the region.

The meeting brought together experts from 19 Interpol member countries, of which six are from the Southern Africa Regional Chiefs Cooperation Organisations (SARPCCO) region.

“Since its inception in 2021, AfJOC has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s response to cybercrimes,” he said.

“Our efforts are characterised by cooperation and collaboration. For context, the first Africa Cyber Surge Operations in 2022 attracted participation from 27 African member countries and uncovered huge financial losses suffered by companies, businesses, and individuals due to various forms of cybercrimes.

“Successes included the clean-up of malicious infrastructure linked to botnet activities and the dissemination of mass phishing, spam, and online extortion activities. In total, scam and fraud activities amounted to US$800 000.”

Mr Moerane said the second Cyber Surge Operations of 2023 uncovered financial losses worth US$40 million owing to cross-sector collaboration with key regional stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector, including internet service providers.