Interpol Operation Uncovers $97 Million in African Cybercrime Crackdown
Authorities in Africa have arrested 1,209 individuals in an Interpol-led crackdown on cybercrime, targeting nearly 88,000 victims. This operation, known as Operation Serengeti 2.0, ran from June to August 2025 and resulted in the dismantling of 11,432 malicious online systems and the recovery of $97.4 million. The collaborative effort involved investigators from 18 African nations and the United Kingdom, focusing on serious cybercrimes such as ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise. Private companies contributed by sharing intelligence, training investigators, and providing technical support, which enabled law enforcement to receive advance information on threats, including suspicious IP addresses and command-and-control servers.
In Angola, authorities dismantled 25 cryptocurrency mining centres where 60 Chinese nationals were illegally validating blockchain transactions. They also uncovered 45 illicit power stations and confiscated IT and mining equipment valued at over $37 million, with plans to redirect this equipment to enhance power distribution in vulnerable areas. In Zambia, police exposed a massive online investment fraud that deceived 65,000 individuals, resulting in losses of approximately $300 million. Additionally, a scam centre linked to a suspected human trafficking ring was discovered, leading to the seizure of 372 fake passports. In Côte d’Ivoire, officers disrupted a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, arresting the main suspect and confiscating valuables worth $1.6 million. Interpol indicated that investigations from Operation Serengeti 2.0 are ongoing, with further arrests anticipated as international partners pursue additional leads.
Categories: Cybercrime Operations, Cryptocurrency Fraud, Online Scams
Tags: Interpol, Cybercrime, Operation Serengeti 2.0, Ransomware, Online Scams, Cryptocurrency, Zambia, Fraud, Human Trafficking, Inheritance Scams