Interpol, AFRIPOL strengthen Africa’s Cybersecurit...

Interpol, AFRIPOL strengthen Africa’s Cybersecurity Defenses

**AI Generated image of integrated cybercrime fighting team**

Runodada Witness

ZimNow reporter

The International Criminal Police Organisation I has commended the Africa Joint Operations against Cybercrimes for its pivotal role in shaping Africa's approach to combating cybercrimes.

During a debriefing meeting for the Africa Cyber Surge 3.0 Operation in Harare on Tuesday, Interpol Regional Bureau Harare Head, Mr. Sello Moerane, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in combating cybercrime in the region. The meeting brought together experts from 19 Interpol member countries, including six from the Southern Africa Regional Chiefs Cooperation Organisations region.

Mr. Moerane highlighted the success of AfJOC since its inception in 2021, attributing its impact to a foundation of cooperation and collaboration.

The inaugural Africa Cyber Surge Operations in 2022 saw the participation of 27 African member countries and uncovered significant financial losses suffered by businesses, companies, and individuals due to various forms of cybercrime.

Achievements included the dismantling of malicious infrastructure involved in botnet activities, phishing schemes, spam distribution, and online extortion, with fraud related losses totaling $800,000.

In 2023, the second Cyber Surge Operation further demonstrated the power of collaboration between regional stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, private sector entities, and internet service providers. These efforts exposed financial losses of $40 million, highlighting the scale and economic impact of cybercrime across the continent.