Cyber Crime
Global Crackdown: 1,006 Arrested, Rs 1600 Crore Saved in Massive African Cybercrime Bust
LYON, France – A joint operation by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL, dubbed Operation Serengeti, has led to the arrest of over 1,000 cybercriminals across 19 African countries. The operation, which ran from September 2 to October 31, 2024, targeted a range of cyber threats, including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion, and online scams.
The operation focused on combating ransomware, business email compromise, digital extortion, and online scams, which were identified as significant threats in the 2024 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report. Over 35,000 victims were identified, with estimated financial losses reaching nearly USD 193 million worldwide.
To ensure a targeted and intelligence-led approach, INTERPOL produced 65 Cyber Analytical Reports based on information provided by participating countries. These reports highlighted ongoing cases and identified the most significant cybercrime actors.
Private sector partners, including Internet Service Providers, played a crucial role in the operation by sharing intelligence, providing analysis support, and disrupting criminal activities. They also offered on-site and remote assistance to participating countries to patch vulnerabilities and secure critical infrastructure.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the growing concern over the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks, ranging from multi-level marketing scams to large-scale credit card fraud. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing these threats and expressed hope that Operation Serengeti’s success would lead to the prevention of future victimization.
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AFRIPOL Executive Director Ambassador Jalel Chelba noted that the operation had significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States, facilitated key arrests, and deepened insights into cybercrime trends. He also acknowledged the emergence of new threats, such as AI-driven malware and advanced attack techniques, which will require continued focus.
Several national case studies illustrate the impact of Operation Serengeti:
- Kenya: Authorities arrested nearly two dozen individuals involved in online credit card fraud, which resulted in losses of USD 8.6 million.
- Senegal: Eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for a USD 6 million online Ponzi scheme that affected 1,811 victims.
- Nigeria: A man accused of running online investment scams, defrauding victims of over USD 300,000, was arrested.
- Cameroon: Authorities apprehended a group that trafficked victims from seven countries to run a multi-level marketing scam, generating at least USD 150,000 in fees.
- Angola: Investigators dismantled an international criminal group operating a virtual casino in Luanda, defrauding hundreds of gamblers. Over 150 arrests were made.
Operation Serengeti was made possible through funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Council of Europe.
