By Erewunmi Peace

INTERPOL has announced the successful dismantling of multiple cybercrime and fraud networks across Africa in a large-scale operation that led to the arrest of 1,209 suspects and the recovery of approximately USD 97.4 million.

The crackdown, codenamed Operation Serengeti 2.0, ran between June and August 2025, targeting high-impact cyber threats including business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attacks, inheritance scams, and investment fraud schemes.

According to INTERPOL, law enforcement agencies from 18 African countries, along with the United Kingdom, took part in the coordinated operation.

Key Achievements of the Operation:

1,209 arrests of individuals linked to cybercrime syndicates

USD 97.4 million recovered from illicit transactions

11,432 malicious online infrastructures dismantled

25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers shut down in Angola, with equipment worth USD 37 million seized

A massive crypto investment fraud in Zambia, which scammed 65,000 victims of an estimated USD 300 million, was uncovered

A cross-border inheritance scam in Côte d’Ivoire originating from Germany was busted, preventing losses of USD 1.6 million

INTERPOL emphasized that these results mark a significant step in the fight against organized cybercrime on the continent.

“The results of Operation Serengeti 2.0 send a strong message: cybercriminals will not find safe haven in Africa. Law enforcement agencies are committed to working together to dismantle these networks,” said an INTERPOL spokesperson.

The agency further urged governments, businesses, and individuals to adopt stronger cybersecurity measures as criminals increasingly exploit digital platforms for fraudulent activities.