INTERPOL announced the results of Operation Serengeti on Tuesday. This significant anti-cybercrime initiative, conducted from September 2 to October 31, led to the arrest of 1,006 suspects across 19 African countries. The operation aimed to combat various forms of cybercrime, including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion, and online scams.
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Operation overview
Operation Serengeti resulted in the downing of 134,089 malicious networks, the identification of over 35,000 victims, and an estimated $193 million in economic losses.
Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, emphasised the operation’s impact: “From multi-level marketing scams to credit card fraud on an industrial scale, the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks is of serious concern.” He continued, “Operation Serengeti shows what we can achieve by working together, and these arrests alone will save countless potential future victims from real personal and financial pain. We know this is just the tip of the iceberg, so we will continue targeting these criminal groups worldwide.”
Countries such as Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa participated in the operation. Kenyan authorities uncovered an $8.6 million online credit card fraud scheme. The criminals altered banking security protocols to siphon funds through the SWIFT system to various international entities.
Notable arrests and cases
Several high-profile cases emerged from Operation Serengeti:
In Senegal, eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for orchestrating a $6 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded 1,811 victims. During the investigation, authorities seized over 900 SIM cards and $11,000 in cash.
A man in Nigeria was apprehended for running a cryptocurrency scam that reportedly earned him over $300,000 through deceptive investment promises.
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In Cameroon, law enforcement dismantled a trafficking ring involved in a multi-level marketing scam that had already generated at least $150,000 in illegal profits.
Also, in Kenya, authorities uncovered a credit card fraud scheme that resulted in losses of $8.6 million. Nearly two dozen suspects were arrested for their roles in redirecting stolen funds via SWIFT to various countries
Additionally, Angolan investigators shut down an international virtual casino targeting Brazilian and Nigerian gamblers, leading to the arrest of 150 suspects.
Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Executive Director of AFRIPOL, highlighted the operation’s significance: “ Through Serengeti, Afripol has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States.”
The success of Operation Serengeti illustrates the critical role of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private sector partners was vital for intelligence sharing and operational support. As cyber criminals increasingly exploit advanced technologies, initiatives like Operation Serengeti are essential for safeguarding digital ecosystems across Africa and beyond.