Interpol: AI Becomes Central Driver of Cybercrime in Africa

The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) released a report showing that artificial intelligence is involved in 55% of cybercrime cases across Africa. According to data from 36 African member countries, cybercrime has evolved from isolated incidents to organized transnational ecosystems. Economic losses surged from 192 million to 484 million dollars since 2024, driven primarily by AI tools and automation. Different regions face specific attack types: mobile payment fraud in the east, email fraud in central and western regions, and global threats in the south where internet infrastructure is more developed. Criminals are using AI technology to create deepfake videos, open fraudulent bank accounts, and apply for loans. Although 72% of surveyed countries had fraud centers operating, there is progress in response: 17 countries enacted or revised cybercrime laws in 2025, and Interpol arrested over 1,500 suspects, recovering more than 100 million dollars in assets.