A recent typology study by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has raised alarm over the rapid rise of cybercrime in West Africa, driven in part by soaring internet connectivity across the region.
While internet penetration varies widely—from 70% in Cape Verde to just 15% in Niger—the regional average now surpasses that of sub-Saharan Africa.
This digital boom has fueled the adoption of modern financial technologies such as online banking, mobile money, e-payment systems, cryptocurrencies, e-commerce platforms, and online gambling.
However, these advancements have been accompanied by an equally swift escalation in cybercrime, which is exerting a significant economic and social toll.
Widespread Fraud Techniques Identified
According to the study, advance-fee fraud is the most prevalent type, accounting for 40% of cases. Mobile money fraud follows at 15%, with Ponzi schemes at 13%.
Other notable threats include website and e-commerce platform hacking (7%) and business email compromise scams (7%). Though less frequent, bank card fraud and cyber-enabled terrorist financing remain areas of concern.
Legal and Institutional Gaps Undermine Response
“There are major legislative gaps in the region, particularly regarding the powers of central authorities responsible for cybercrime, and the legal frameworks required to detect, prove, and prosecute money laundering or terrorist financing effectively,” the report states.
While some countries have introduced punitive mechanisms, preventative systems remain underdeveloped. Electronic evidence management remains inconsistent, and parallel financial investigations are rare due to a lack of technical tools, poor national coordination, and weak regional and international cooperation.
Most Affected Countries
Data from the African Union Commission (2016) reveals that South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt rank among the world’s 50 most affected nations. South Africa leads with 434 reported cases and $6.5 million in financial losses.
Nigeria follows with 215 cases and $2.9 million in losses, while Egypt reported 95 cases and $523,000 in damages.
Guinea Faces Growing Cyber Threat
In Guinea, the report highlights a troubling rise in digital fraud, particularly via social media and mobile money services. The country’s Directorate of Judicial Police (DPJ) routinely receives complaints involving:
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Advance-fee scams through Facebook, WhatsApp, or email, involving fake job offers, inheritance claims, and humanitarian aid.
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Fraudulent use of pre-activated SIM cards and mobile money accounts to move or hide funds.
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Use of crypto-assets to launder illicit income in the informal sector.
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Weak identity verification procedures when opening mobile or bank accounts.
The study criticizes Guinea’s lack of a comprehensive legal framework aligned with international standards such as the Budapest Convention. It also cites poor coordination between key institutions—including the central bank, telecom regulator, judiciary, and police—as a critical obstacle. Although a national cybersecurity platform is part of the country’s digital strategy, it remains non-functional.
The report concludes that while Guinea faces similar challenges as its regional peers, it lacks the human, technical, and legal resources to respond effectively. Urgent reforms are needed to strengthen legislation, train law enforcement, and launch broad public awareness campaigns to stem the tide of this increasingly destructive phenomenon.
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