In a coordinated operation spanning 22 countries and six continents, 58 individuals associated with organized West African cybercrime syndicates were apprehended. Known as "Operation Jackal IV," the initiative was spearheaded by global law enforcement agency Interpol, targeting criminal networks behind romance scams, investment frauds, and other financial crimes such as cryptocurrency fraud and email compromise. The operation, which took place between November 2025 and June 2026, focused on dismantling these groups' money laundering operations and uncovering their tactics in conducting cybercrimes. The operation revealed emerging trends including the use of sextortion to target minors as young as 14. Operation Jackal IV also found that these criminal networks often targeted retirees in English-speaking countries. Interpol's Financial Crime Centre Director, Tomonobu Kaya, stated that by tracking illicit financial flows across borders, the operation aimed to diminish the profitability of organized crime activities. During the operation, Interpol facilitated cross-border coordination and intelligence sharing among participating countries. They also provided support and specialized training for money laundering investigations. Preliminary outcomes included arrests in Argentina, Italy, Romania, and South Africa, with raids on seven sites linked to a syndicate involved in romance and investment scams in South Africa resulting in 39 arrests, the seizure of $2.67m (£1.96m), and the blocking of 257 bank accounts. In addition to cyber-enabled fraud, these West African networks were also found to be involved in other serious and violent crimes, according to Interpol. Operation Jackal IV is part of a series of "Jackal" police operations that have been ongoing since 2022. In 2024, Operation Jackal III led to the arrests of 300 people linked to the Nigerian Black Axe group, a shadowy criminal network involved in trafficking, prostitution, and killings worldwide. For more news from the African continent, visit BBC Africa's website or follow them on Twitter @BBCAfrica, Facebook at BBC Africa, or Instagram at bbcafrica.