In a landmark operation from June to August 2025, Interpol conducted a significant cybercrime crackdown across Africa known as Operation Serengeti 2.0, leading to the arrest of 1,209 individuals and the recovery of nearly $97.4 million. This initiative involved collaboration among investigators from 18 African nations and the UK, focusing on severe cybercrimes, including inheritance scams, ransomware, and business email compromises that collectively affected approximately 88,000 victims.
A standout achievement occurred in Angola, where authorities dismantled 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining operations run by 60 Chinese nationals, confiscating equipment valued at over $37 million, which is planned for repurposing to improve power distribution in underdeveloped areas.
In Zambia, officials uncovered a sprawling online investment fraud scheme that cheated more than 65,000 people out of around $300 million through a bogus cryptocurrency investment. The scam lured victims with false promises of high returns and required them to download various apps. Authorities arrested 15 individuals and seized crucial evidence such as domains and bank accounts. The operation also disrupted a suspected human trafficking network in the area.
In Ivory Coast, a transnational inheritance scam from Germany was dismantled, defrauding victims of $1.6 million. Despite being one of the oldest forms of online fraud, inheritance scams continue to thrive, generating significant revenue for criminal enterprises.
Overall, Operation Serengeti 2.0 highlighted the necessity of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, resulting in the dismantling of 11,432 malicious infrastructures. Interpol’s Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza, emphasized the importance of collaboration and information sharing among member countries, which has led to marked improvements in countering cyber threats and protecting vulnerable populations across Africa.
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