The multinational Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) says it has dismantled a sophisticated multinational scam network in Namibia.

Operation First Light, which targets phishing, investment fraud, bogus online shopping sites, romance, and impersonation frauds worldwide, busted the suspected network operating from Namibia's capital, Windhoek.

Globally, 3 950 people were apprehended, with 14 643 further suspected suspects identified.

The police operation froze 6 745 bank accounts, confiscating assets worth US$257 million.

In the Southern African country, 88 local youths who were reportedly forced to commit scams were rescued.

Authorities confiscated 163 computers and 350 mobile phones.

The data contained in these devices has been turned over to the INTERPOL General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon, France, for analysis.

On request, INTERPOL's General Secretariat headquarters dispatched specialised officials into Namibia and other countries to assist local police in coordinating their country leg of the global operation.

"The outcomes of this global police operation are more than just statistics. They represent lives saved, crimes avoided, and a healthier global economy," stated Isaac Kehinde Oginni, Director of INTERPOL's Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre.

Namibia is expected to pass the Cyber Crime Bill, the Data Protection Bill, and the National Cyber Security Strategy this year in response to online scams.