Nairobi, Kenya — A comprehensive operation led by Interpol has resulted in the apprehension of more than 1,200 suspects and the recovery of nearly $100 million across multiple African nations. This initiative, dubbed Operation Serengeti 2.0, spanned from June through August 2025 and brought together law enforcement from 18 African countries, along with assistance from the United Kingdom.

The primary goal of the operation was to disrupt various types of cybercrime that have affected thousands of victims globally. The investigative efforts identified nearly 88,000 individuals targeted by a range of malicious schemes, including inheritance fraud, ransomware attacks, and business email compromise activities. In total, authorities dismantled 11,432 criminal networks, shedding light on the extensive and growing scope of organized cybercriminal operations in the region.

Criminal enterprises have been increasingly successful in deceiving victims, particularly with inheritance scams, which have surprisingly remained lucrative despite being one of the oldest types of online fraud. Interpol has flagged ransomware and business email compromises as emerging threats in Africa, raising alarms over their impact on both individuals and businesses.

In Angola, law enforcement officials dismantled a network running 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining operations, arresting 60 Chinese nationals in the process. Authorities seized equipment valued at over $37 million, which will be redirected to improve electricity access in underprivileged areas, addressing the strain these unauthorized blockchain activities placed on local resources.

Meanwhile, in Zambia, a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme was disrupted, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals. This operation exposed a scam that had duped over 65,000 victims out of an estimated $300 million. Aggressive marketing tactics directed potential investors to download apps promising high returns, culminating in the seizure of numerous domains, phone numbers, and bank accounts associated with the fraud.

In Côte d’Ivoire, a significant inheritance scam originating from Germany was also unraveled, costing victims approximately $1.6 million. Local officials arrested the prime suspect and recovered a cache of valuables, including electronics, jewelry, and vehicles, intended for fraudulent distribution.

The operation benefitted from partnerships with leading cybersecurity firms, including Kaspersky and Fortinet, which bolstered the investigative capabilities of the participating nations. Financial backing for this joint initiative came from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, further illustrating the importance of international collaboration in combating cybercrime.

Preceding this operation, the initial Serengeti initiative in 2024 resulted in over 1,000 arrests and support for 35,000 victims. Each successive operation aims to refine and enhance the sharing of information and skills among countries involved, making strides toward a more coordinated response to cyber threats.

The Secretary General of Interpol emphasized the value of international cooperation in achieving measurable outcomes for victims and enhancing global networks. Participating countries included Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, and others, emphasizing the collective commitment to address the challenges posed by evolving digital threats.

As cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities across borders, initiatives like Operation Serengeti serve as vital efforts to safeguard communities and thwart the growing tide of cybercrime.