• Authorities blocked a fraudulent transfer targeting a major oil company

• The operation was part of a coordinated Interpol-led effort across Africa

• Cyber threats are rising as digital exposure expands in Senegal

Senegalese authorities have foiled a cyber fraud attempt targeting a major oil company, preventing the diversion of $7.9 million, Interpol announced on December 22. The attackers had breached the company’s internal email systems and impersonated senior executives to initiate a fraudulent bank transfer.

According to Neal Jetton, Interpol’s director of cybercrime, the scale and sophistication of cyberattacks in Africa are accelerating, particularly against strategic sectors such as finance and energy. He praised the swift response of Senegal’s security services, which halted the transfer and froze the recipient bank accounts, averting a significant financial loss.

The intervention was carried out as part of a broader international coordination framework involving 19 African countries and deployed between late October and late November. The operation led to the arrest of more than 574 suspects, the seizure of about $3 million, and the removal of over 6,000 malicious links. In Ghana, authorities also made several arrests linked to ransomware attacks and identity theft schemes involving hundreds of victims and losses amounting to several hundred thousand dollars.

The case highlights the growing cyber threat facing Senegal, where digital risks are increasing alongside the expansion of connected technologies. Data from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky show that more than 10 million cyber threats were detected and blocked in 2024, pointing to a surge in intrusion attempts, exploitation of security vulnerabilities, and password theft targeting businesses, public institutions, and individuals. Some of these attacks relied on unsecured remote access points or software vulnerabilities, leaving sensitive systems particularly exposed.

The joint mobilization of African countries underscores the need for modern tools, cross-border coordination, and stronger local capabilities to combat cybercrime. It also highlights the importance of awareness, training, and investment in secure digital infrastructure to reduce fraud risks and support the continent’s digital transformation.

Samira Njoya