Interpol and police seize R42.5 million and arrest 39 suspects in South African scam call centre takedowns

• Interpol and police have seized R42.5 million and arrested 39 suspects in connection with a West African romance and investment scam syndicate.
• The operation, launched in November 2025, targeted West African criminal networks such as the Black Axe group and involved 22 countries from six continents.
• The recent arrests follow previous operations, including January 2026 arrests of 6 alleged investment scammers and 25 call centre agents, and demonstrate the power of international cooperation in disrupting money laundering and scam operations.