**International law enforcement collaboration results in over 1,200 arrests and nearly $100 million recovered across 18 African nations**
INTERPOL announced a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime on Friday, revealing that authorities across 18 African countries have successfully arrested 1,209 cybercriminals who collectively targeted 88,000 victims worldwide.
## Operation Details and Impact
The comprehensive crackdown, known as Operation Serengeti 2.0, recovered $97.4 million in stolen funds and dismantled 11,432 malicious digital infrastructures between June and August 2025. This operation represents the second phase of an ongoing international law enforcement initiative specifically designed to combat sophisticated cybercrimes including ransomware attacks, online scams, and business email compromise (BEC) schemes.
## Major Breakthroughs Across the Continent
### Angola’s Cryptocurrency Mining Bust
One of the operation’s most significant achievements occurred in Angola, where authorities dismantled 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers. The operation resulted in the arrest of 60 Chinese nationals involved in the illicit scheme and the confiscation of 45 unauthorized power stations along with mining equipment valued at over $37 million. The Angolan government plans to repurpose the seized equipment to improve power distribution in underserved communities.
### Zambia’s Investment Fraud Takedown
Zambian law enforcement successfully shut down a massive online investment fraud operation that devastated 65,000 victims, resulting in approximately $300 million in losses. The sophisticated scheme lured victims through deceptive advertising campaigns promising high-yield cryptocurrency returns. Fifteen individuals were arrested, and authorities seized multiple domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts for ongoing investigation.
### International Inheritance Scam Disrupted
The operation also dismantled a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, leading to the arrest of the primary suspect and the confiscation of electronics, jewelry, cash, and vehicles. This particular scheme caused an estimated $1.6 million in victim losses.
## Growing International Cooperation
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the increasing effectiveness of international collaboration, stating that each coordinated operation builds upon previous efforts by deepening cooperation, enhancing information sharing, and developing investigative capabilities across member countries.
Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Group-IB contributed crucial intelligence to the operation, providing detailed information about cryptocurrency investment scams and business email compromise campaigns throughout the African region. CEO Dmitry Volkov highlighted that the operation’s success demonstrates the power of unified international action against borderless cybercrime.
## Broader Context of African Cybercrime Enforcement
The operation’s success comes amid increased regional efforts to combat cybercrime. Nigeria recently deported 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipino citizens, who were convicted of cyber terrorism and internet fraud. These deportees were among 792 suspected cybercriminals arrested in December 2024.
Additionally, the earlier Operation Red Card, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, resulted in 306 arrests and the confiscation of 1,842 devices across seven African countries, further demonstrating the continent’s commitment to combating cybercrime.
## Looking Forward
Operation Serengeti 2.0’s remarkable results underscore both the global nature of cybercrime and the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing these threats. As cybercriminals continue to exploit digital technologies and cross-border vulnerabilities, coordinated law enforcement efforts like this operation prove essential in protecting victims and dismantling criminal networks worldwide.