Operation Serengeti 2.0: Combating Cybercrime in Africa - Arrests, Dismantling of Malicious Systems, and Recovery of Millions
A crackdown on cybercrime in Africa led to the arrest of 1,209 individuals and targeted nearly 88,000 victims. Operation Serengeti 2.0, spearheaded by Interpol, took place from June to August 2025 and resulted in the dismantling of 11,432 malicious online systems, recovering $97.4 million in the process. Investigators from 18 African nations and the United Kingdom collaborated to combat serious cybercrimes like ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise.
Private companies played a crucial role in the operation by sharing intelligence, training investigators, and providing technical support to law enforcement. This proactive approach enabled authorities to gain advance information on threats, such as suspicious IP addresses, domains, and command-and-control servers. In Angola, authorities shut down 25 cryptocurrency mining centers and confiscated equipment worth over $37 million, redirecting it to support power distribution in vulnerable areas.
In Zambia, police uncovered a massive online investment fraud that defrauded 65,000 individuals of approximately $300 million. The victims were lured into investing in cryptocurrency through deceptive advertising campaigns promising high returns. Authorities arrested 15 suspects and seized evidence like domains, bank accounts, and mobile numbers, with ongoing efforts to track down collaborators abroad. Additionally, a scam center linked to a suspected human trafficking ring was discovered, leading to the seizure of 372 fake passports from seven countries.
Despite being one of the oldest forms of online fraud, inheritance scams continue to be lucrative for criminals. In Côte d’Ivoire, law enforcement dismantled a transnational scam originating in Germany, resulting in the arrest of the main suspect and the recovery of valuables like jewellery, cash, vehicles, and electronic equipment. Victims of this scheme lost around $1.6 million by falling for fake inheritance claims.
Interpol emphasized that investigations from Operation Serengeti 2.0 are ongoing, with more arrests anticipated as international partners pursue leads. The collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and private entities underscores the importance of combating cybercrime to protect individuals and businesses from online threats.