Operation Serengeti III: A Major Crackdown on Cybercrime
A recent crackdown on cybercrime across Africa, coordinated by Interpol, has led to the apprehension of 1,462 individuals and the recovery of over $105 million. The operation, dubbed Operation Serengeti III, took place from June 29 to August 31 and involved cooperation from law enforcement agencies in the United States and 20 African nations. Its primary focus was on addressing online fraud, extortion through digital means, ransomware attacks, and business email compromise incidents.
Key Investigations and Findings
One notable case involved Nigerian authorities who tracked down approximately $2.4 million linked to an international investment fraud scheme that predominantly operated through messaging platforms. This investigation alone resulted in the arrest of one individual, with the money heavily laundered through cryptocurrency mechanisms.
The exhaustive financial inquiries revealed that the criminal activities connected to this operation affected 65,929 victims, leading to total losses surpassing $385 million. Investigators successfully dismantled a staggering 10,909 malicious networks during their efforts.
Neal Jetton, Interpol’s Director of Cybercrime, emphasized the transnational nature of cybercrime, stating, “Cybercrime networks operate without regard for borders, exploiting technology to target victims on an unprecedented scale.”
These insights were largely supported by cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which aided investigators by sharing intelligence on digital threats, compromised networks, and online accounts linked to the perpetrators.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Investigations
In Uganda, authorities were able to break up two major fraud operations, resulting in the arrest of 365 foreign nationals whose manipulative tactics included scripted phone calls and bogus trading systems targeting vulnerable pensioners across Asia.
Another investigation in Nigeria unearthed a suspect involved with phishing and business email compromise, amassing approximately 2.1 million email addresses and involved in pilfering software credentials. This operation also led to the recovery of a luxury vehicle believed to be bought with illicit funds.
Further actions during the operation also tackled fraudulent mobile loan applications in Tanzania and vehicle import scams in Gabon, which led to the detainment of 30 more suspects in the Republic of Congo. Multiple investigations are still ongoing, as authorities continue to trace the origins of the proceeds and identify additional suspects while analyzing the digital evidence that was seized.
Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining in Angola
In Angola, investigators arrested nine individuals and confiscated over 2,000 devices designated for illegal cryptocurrency mining across two centers. Authorities also dismantled six illegal electricity transformation stations essential for distributing power, valued at over $1 million. The mining restrictions in Angola were formally established by the National Assembly in December 2023 as part of new regulations concerning energy security, environmental sustainability, and monetary sovereignty, with the ban officially commencing in 2024.
Following the establishment of these regulations, the Chinese Embassy in Angola urged its citizens and companies to adhere to local restrictions regarding mining operations, highlighting the risks associated with virtual currency schemes that promise quick profits or guaranteed returns.
Earlier, Operation Serengeti 2.0 in 2025 resulted in the dismantling of 25 illegal mining centers in Angola and the seizure of power stations and technical equipment valued at over $37 million, underscoring the ongoing challenges in combating cybercrime and unauthorized mining activities in the region.
