Massive Cybercrime Crackdown in Africa Leads to 1,209 Arrests and $97.4 Million Recovery
In a groundbreaking operation, law enforcement agencies across Africa have arrested 1,209 cybercriminals and recovered $97.4 million in a coordinated effort to combat high-harm and high-impact cybercrimes. The operation, dubbed Serengeti 2.0, was conducted between June and August 2025 and involved investigators from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom.
The crackdown, led by INTERPOL, targeted prominent threats such as ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise (BEC), which were identified in the recent INTERPOL Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report. Private sector collaboration played a significant role in the operation, with partners providing intelligence, guidance, and training to help investigators identify and apprehend offenders.
One of the notable successes of the operation was the dismantling of 25 cryptocurrency mining centers in Angola, where 60 Chinese nationals were illegally validating blockchain transactions to generate cryptocurrency. The crackdown also identified 45 illicit power stations, which were confiscated along with mining and IT equipment worth over $37 million.
In Zambia, authorities dismantled a large-scale online investment fraud scheme, identifying 65,000 victims who lost an estimated $300 million. The scammers lured victims into investing in cryptocurrency through extensive advertising campaigns promising high-yield returns. Authorities arrested 15 individuals and seized key evidence, including domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts.
The operation also disrupted a suspected human trafficking network in Zambia, confiscating 372 forged passports from seven countries. In Côte d’Ivoire, officers dismantled a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, arresting the primary suspect and seizing assets including electronics, jewelry, cash, vehicles, and documents.
According to Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, “Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing, and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims.”
Prior to the operation, investigators participated in hands-on workshops covering open-source intelligence tools and techniques, cryptocurrency investigations, and ransomware analysis. This focused training strengthened their skills and expertise, directly contributing to the effectiveness of the investigations and operational successes.
The operation also focused on prevention through a partnership with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), a consortium of law enforcement agencies from 36 countries dedicated to identifying and mitigating potential cybercriminal activity before it occurs. The InterCOP project is led by the Netherlands and aims to promote a proactive approach to tackling cybercrime.
The success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation and public-private partnerships in combating cybercrime. As the global threat landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of the curve and work together to protect individuals and organizations from the devastating impact of cybercrime.
