Major operation by Interpol against cybercrime in Africa results in the detention of over 1,200 suspects
In a significant move to combat cybercrime, Interpol, the world's largest international police network, coordinated Operation Serengeti 2.0 from June to August 2025. The operation, which involved investigators from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom, targeted harmful cybercrimes including inheritance scams, ransomware, and business email compromise.
One of the oldest-running internet frauds, these scams targeted nearly 88,000 victims across various regions. Last year, Interpol launched Operation Serengeti and arrested over 1,000 people in operations that targeted 35,000 victims. This year's operation recovered nearly $97.4 million.
In Angola, authorities dismantled 25 cryptocurrency mining centers where 60 Chinese nationals had been mining cryptocurrency. The operation in Angola also resulted in the confiscation of equipment worth over $37 million. Interpol dismantled a transnational inheritance scam in the Ivory Coast, originating from Germany, causing $1.6 million in losses.
In Zambia, the operation dismantled an online investment scheme that defrauded more than 65,000 victims of an estimated $300 million. The scammers lured victims into investing in cryptocurrency through extensive advertising campaigns promising high-yield returns. The operation in Zambia also disrupted a suspected human trafficking network.
Interpol's activities span across various regions, as demonstrated by the dismantling of operations in Angola, Zambia, and now the Ivory Coast. Interpol has 196 member countries and works to help national police forces communicate and track suspects in areas like counterterrorism, financial crime, child pornography, cybercrime, and organized crime.
However, Interpol grapples with new challenges including a growing caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, and increasing divisions among its member countries. Despite these challenges, the organisation continues to make strides in combating international crime.
Interpol is headquartered in Lyons, France and is the world's largest international police network to combat international crime. Its operations have a global reach, with its member countries spread across the world. The organisation plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security by facilitating cooperation between law enforcement agencies worldwide.
