Tether Joins Forces with UNODC to Fortify Africa’s Digital Asset Security Against Rising Cyber Threats

Tether just made a power move—partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to harden Africa's crypto infrastructure. This isn't just PR; it's a direct counter-punch against the region's escalating cybercrime wave targeting digital wallets and exchanges.

Why Africa, Why Now?

The continent's breakneck crypto adoption has outpaced its security frameworks. Weak regulations, fragmented oversight, and a surge in retail investors create a perfect hunting ground for hackers. Tether's stablecoin dominance means securing its rails isn't optional—it's existential for market trust.

The UNODC's on-the-ground intel meets Tether's blockchain forensics. Expect joint task forces, real-time threat sharing, and hardened protocol standards designed to make digital asset theft a lot less profitable. They're building a cyber-secure corridor for finance to flow.

This partnership signals a maturation—crypto giants can no longer afford to be digital islands. In a world where a single exploit can vaporize millions, proactive defense with global agencies becomes the new competitive edge. A cynic might note it's cheaper to fund cybersecurity than to refund billions in hacked assets—but hey, progress is progress.

INTERPOL collaborates with AFRIPOL to supplement cyber intelligence

INTERPOL revealed on October 22, 2025, that it worked with AFRIPOL to supplement cyber intelligence, which uncovered data from private-sector companies, including Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security. The agency also acknowledged that participating countries shared intelligence on specific targets at the pre-operation phase of Operation Catalyst.

INTERPOL’s Security General, Valdecy Urquiza, stated that Operation Catalyst was the first instance where financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism units from multiple African nations worked with both police organizations to combat terrorism financing. She said sharing intelligence, expertise, and resources enables the agency to effectively identify and disrupt the financial flows linked to terrorist activities.

“This joint endeavour, dedicated to disrupting the financing of terrorism across the African continent, illustrates how coordinated action between Member States, facilitated by AFRIPOL and INTERPOL, can effectively address complex and evolving security threats.”

-Jalel Chelba, Executive Director of AFRIPOL.

INTERPOL pointed to a case in Angola involving 25 culprits of multiple nationalities, who were apprehended in connection with potential terrorist financing and money laundering. The authorities seized $588,000, 100 mobile phones, and 40 computers in the operation.

Kenyan authorities also identified a suspected money laundering operation having potential links to terrorism financing. The police uncovered $430,000 involved in the scheme operated by 12 individuals, 2 of whom have already been apprehended.

Another case in Kenya involved two individuals who were arrested for recruiting young people from East and North Africa into terrorist groups. The authorities traced the funds through a digital asset trading platform to individuals in Tanzania.

Authorities also uncovered a transnational case involving a massive digital asset-based Ponzi scheme masquerading as a legitimate online trading platform. The scheme affected at least 17 countries globally, accumulating more than 100,000 victims and an estimated loss of $562,000. 

Tether flags Africa as a region highly vulnerable to crypto scams and fraud

Tether and the United Nations Join Forces to Safeguard Africa’s Digital Economy
Learn more: https://t.co/qKyZLH8j63

— Tether (@tether) January 9, 2026

Tether on Friday partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to boost cybersecurity on digital asset security in Africa. The firm stated that the surge in illegal crypto operations signifies the region’s urgent need to strengthen its cybersecurity against such activities.

Chanalysis reported that Africa is the third-fastest-growing crypto region globally; hence, the need to combat digital scams and fraud. Tether also flagged Africa as a region that is increasingly vulnerable to digital asset scams and fraud. 

The stablecoin issuer said the partnership aims to support the UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030. Tether also hopes the initiative will promote peace and security on the continent by safeguarding digital assets. 

The firm acknowledged that leveraging blockchain technology and other emerging technologies will help reduce vulnerabilities in cybercrime. Tether also believes that blockchain technology will help boost the economic opportunities across Africa and support victims of human trafficking. 

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, argued that supporting victims of human trafficking and helping prevent exploitation requires coordinated efforts across different sectors. Tether revealed that it’s currently collaborating with the UNODC on the Africa Project, the Senegal Project, and the Papua New Guinea Project. 

Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, acknowledged that digital assets are transforming the way the world interacts with money. She also believes crypto plays a vital role in unlocking Africa’s development potential and contributes to the United Nations peace and security agenda.

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