Major Cybercrime Crackdown in Africa

LYON, France – In a large-scale operation coordinated by INTERPOL, authorities across Africa have apprehended 1,209 individuals involved in cybercrime, affecting approximately 88,000 victims.

This initiative resulted in the recovery of USD 97.4 million and the dismantling of 11,432 malicious infrastructures, highlighting the extensive nature of cybercrime and the pressing demand for international collaboration.

Operation Serengeti 2.0

Running from June to August 2025, Operation Serengeti 2.0 saw collaboration between investigators from 18 African nations and the UK to address severe cyber threats, including ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise (BEC), as highlighted in the recent INTERPOL Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report.

Private Sector Support

The success of the operation was bolstered by private sector partnerships that provided essential intelligence, guidance, and training, helping investigators effectively identify perpetrators. Prior to the operation, this intelligence was shared among participating nations, offering critical insights into specific threats, suspicious IP addresses, domains, and C2 servers.

Operational Highlights

From Cryptocurrency Mining to Inheritance Scams

In Angola, 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers were shut down, resulting in the arrest of 60 Chinese nationals who were involved in unauthorized blockchain validation. Authorities confiscated 45 illicit power stations and mining equipment valued at over USD 37 million, intended to enhance power distribution in underserved areas.

Fraudulent Activities Disrupted

Zambian officials dismantled an extensive online investment fraud scheme, exposing 65,000 victims who collectively lost around USD 300 million. The perpetrators drew victims into cryptocurrency investments through extensive advertising, promising substantial returns. Authorities arrested 15 suspects and seized vital evidence while investigations are ongoing to locate international collaborators.

Preventive Measures and Key Partnerships

Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, stated, “Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, enhancing cooperation and improving information sharing across member nations. As contributions and expertise grow, so do the tangible results, protecting victims effectively.”

The operation also emphasized preventive strategies through collaboration with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP). This initiative, led by the Netherlands, aims to proactively identify and address potential cybercriminal activities.

Operation Serengeti 2.0 was part of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime, financed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.