Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0 Nabs 1,209 Cybercriminals in Africa

A significant crackdown on cybercrime coordinated by Interpol has led to the arrest of 1,209 suspects across Africa and the recovery of nearly $97.4 million. This operation, named Operation Serengeti 2.0, took place between June and August 2023, bringing together investigators from 18 African nations and the United Kingdom to combat various cybercrimes, including inheritance scams, ransomware, and business email compromise.

The operation impacted nearly 88,000 victims across the continent, highlighting the extensive reach of cybercriminals. In Angola, authorities dismantled 25 cryptocurrency mining centers, where 60 individuals, primarily from China, had been operating. The raid resulted in the confiscation of equipment valued at over $37 million. The Angolan government plans to repurpose this equipment to enhance power distribution in underserved areas.

In Zambia, the operation shut down an online investment scheme that defrauded more than 65,000 victims of approximately $300 million through a fraudulent cryptocurrency scam. According to Interpol, scammers employed extensive advertising campaigns promising lucrative returns to lure victims into investing. Those deceived were instructed to download various applications to participate in the scheme. As a result of this operation, authorities arrested 15 individuals and seized critical evidence, including domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts.

Additionally, the investigation revealed connections to a suspected human trafficking network in Zambia, further complicating the landscape of cybercrime. Interpol also reported the dismantling of a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany that targeted individuals in the Ivory Coast, resulting in losses of $1.6 million. Victims were misled into paying fees to claim fictitious inheritances, underscoring the persistent threat posed by such scams.

Interpol’s Ongoing Commitment to Cybercrime Prevention

Interpol, headquartered in Lyons, France, has been a crucial player in the international fight against crime, facilitating communication among national police forces. Its mandate includes addressing challenges in areas like counterterrorism, financial crime, child exploitation, and cybercrime. The organization celebrated its centennial in 2023, reflecting on its long-standing commitment to maintaining global security.

In recent years, Interpol has faced an increasing caseload of cybercrime and child exploitation, as well as growing divisions among its member states. Last year, during the first iteration of Operation Serengeti, Interpol successfully arrested over 1,000 individuals and targeted around 35,000 victims.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, operations like Serengeti 2.0 demonstrate the necessity for collaborative international efforts to combat these crimes effectively. The substantial scale of this latest operation highlights the growing impact of cybercriminal activities and the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation among nations.