Interpol recovers $105M and shuts illegal crypto mines in African crackdown

Interpol seizes $105 million from cybercrime operations

Interpol has recovered $105 million as part of a wide-ranging cybercrime operation in Africa. The sweep also resulted in the shutdown of illegal cryptocurrency mining sites.

Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using computer power to secure digital networks and earn new coins. When done without proper energy licensing or security regulations, it can become an illegal operation used to mask criminal activities.

Details of the law enforcement action

• Recovered amount: $105 million.
• Geographic scope: Africa.
• Target activities: Cybercrime and illegal crypto mining.
• Lead organization: Interpol.

Source attribution

The information is reported by Decrypt. The agency notes that this is part of a broader effort to combat cybercrime within the region.

Why this matters for the crypto sector

These operations highlight the growing link between traditional cybercrime and the cryptocurrency industry. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly targeting the infrastructure used to move and mine digital assets illegally, which affects how crypto services are regulated and monitored globally.

Sources

• Decrypt