Keypoints:
- 1,200 arrested in cybercrime raids
- $100m seized across 18 African states
- Scams and crypto networks dismantled
INTERPOL says more than 1,200 people have been arrested and assets worth around $100 million seized in a continent-wide crackdown against cybercrime in Africa.
The operation, codenamed ‘Serengeti 2.0’, was conducted between June and August in partnership with the United Kingdom and 18 African nations. In its statement, Interpol confirmed that nearly 88,000 victims of online fraud, scams and illegal cryptocurrency schemes were identified during the coordinated raids.
Online fraud surge across Africa
The crackdown comes as cybercrime reaches unprecedented levels across the continent. Interpol noted that some African countries have recorded a surge of up to 3,000 percent in online fraud reports over the past year.
According to its latest regional report, cybercrime now accounts for more than 30 percent of all reported crime in West and East Africa, underlining the scale of the challenge facing law enforcement.
Illegal crypto mining shut down
In Angola, authorities dismantled 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centres operated by Chinese nationals. The sites were allegedly used to validate digital currency transactions unlawfully. Equipment worth about $37 million was confiscated, with Interpol confirming that the proceeds will be channelled into improving electricity distribution across the central African country.
Old scams resurface in Cote d’Ivoire
In Cote d’Ivoire, police uncovered a transnational inheritance fraud scheme — a scam long associated with the early days of internet crime. Victims were tricked into paying fees to access non-existent fortunes, with total losses estimated at $1.6m, according to Interpol’s statement.
Zambian investigators target investment fraud
Zambia also emerged as a hotspot during the operation, with investigators exposing an online investment network that defrauded about 65,000 victims. Losses linked to the scam reached roughly $300m, Interpol said.
Rising threat, coordinated response
Interpol described the cross-border effort as a significant step in building capacity to confront Africa’s fast-evolving digital crime landscape. With the continent increasingly targeted by cybercriminals exploiting weak regulation and digital adoption, officials warn that international cooperation remains essential.
The results of ‘Serengeti 2.0’, Interpol added, would inform training, resource allocation and joint intelligence strategies to better protect African economies and citizens from escalating digital threats.
