INTERPOL Arrests 1,209 Cybercriminals over 18 African Countries
“18 African Nations got rid of more than 1200 cybercriminals in recent arrests, and it is a great achievement for INTERPOL.”
Authorities from 18 African nations have detained 1,209 cybercriminals who targeted 88,000 victims, according to a Friday INTERPOL announcement.
INTERPOL
| “The crackdown recovered $97.4 million and dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, underscoring the global reach of cybercrime and the urgent need for cross-border cooperation.”
“The crackdown identified 45 illicit power stations which were confiscated, along with mining and IT equipment worth more than $37 million, now earmarked by the government to support power distribution in vulnerable areas.” |
The endeavor is the second stage of Operation Serengeti, a continuous law enforcement campaign that was launched between June and August 2025 to combat serious crimes such as ransomware, internet fraud, and business email compromise (BEC).
Late last year saw the first round of arrests. The destruction of 25 bitcoin mining facilities in Angola, where 60 Chinese nationals participated in the illegal money-making operation, is one of the highlights.
In other news, Zambian officials have shut down a massive online investment fraud scheme that defrauded 65,000 people out of over $300 million after tricking them into purchasing bitcoin through advertisements promising enormous profits.
In connection with the plan, 15 people have been arrested, and authorities have seized bank accounts, websites, and cellphones for additional investigation. A suspected human trafficking network and a scam center have also been destroyed in the southern African nation.
Last but not least, authorities also busted a transnational inheritance scam that started in Germany, apprehending the main suspect and seizing cash, jewelry, electronics, and automobiles. An estimated $1.6 million was lost as a result of the same.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General, 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.” |
Singapore-headquartered Group-IB
| Singapore-headquartered Group-IB said it provided “circumstantial intelligence” on a cryptocurrency investment scam, along with infrastructural details associated with the scam and other BEC campaigns across the African region. |
Dmitry Volkov, CEO, Group-IB
| “Cybercrime recognizes no borders, and its impact is truly global,” Dmitry Volkov, Group-IB CEO.
“The success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 demonstrates what can be achieved when nations stand together against this threat.” |
The revelation coincides with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deporting 102 foreign nationals convicted of cyberterrorism and internet fraud, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipinos.
In December 2024, 792 suspected cybercriminals were arrested, including the deportees. As part of a global operation code-named Red Card that ran from November 2024 to February 2025, law enforcement officials in seven African nations also detained 306 people and seized 1,842 gadgets earlier this March.
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