In a landmark operation spanning 19 African nations, Interpol and AFRIPOL have arrested 1,006 individuals involved in cybercrime activities, marking a significant stride in the continent’s fight against digital threats.
Operation Serengeti: A Continental Sweep
Between September 2 and October 31, 2024, Interpol, in collaboration with AFRIPOL and local law enforcement agencies, executed Operation Serengeti. This concerted effort targeted cybercriminals engaged in activities such as ransomware attacks, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion, and online scams. The operation led to the dismantling of 134,089 malicious infrastructures and networks, identification of over 35,000 victims, and financial losses nearing $193 million globally. Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of Interpol, emphasized 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. 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.”
Notable Arrests and Seizures
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Kenya: Authorities arrested nearly two dozen individuals linked to an online credit card fraud scheme resulting in $8.6 million in losses. The suspects manipulated banking security protocols and rerouted funds using SWIFT codes to offshore companies in the UAE, Nigeria, and China.
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Senegal: Eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were apprehended for operating a $6 million online Ponzi scheme that defrauded 1,811 victims. Seized items included over 900 SIM cards, $11,000 in cash, phones, laptops, and copies of victims’ ID cards.
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Cameroon: A group was uncovered trafficking victims from seven countries into Cameroon under false promises of employment. The victims were held captive and forced to recruit others into a multi-level marketing scam to secure their release.
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Angola: Authorities dismantled a virtual casino operation defrauding Brazilian and Nigerian gamblers, resulting in 150 arrests and the seizure of computers and phones.
Expert Insight: Emmanuel Kotin’s Perspective
Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director and Security Analyst at the African Centre for Counter Terrorism, lauded the operation’s success:
“Operation Serengeti underscores the critical importance of collaborative efforts in combating cybercrime across Africa. The scale of arrests and dismantled networks reflects a growing commitment to securing our digital spaces. However, this is just the beginning. Continuous investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and cross-border intelligence sharing is paramount.”
The Road Ahead
While Operation Serengeti marks a significant achievement, experts warn that cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Emerging threats, such as AI-driven malware and sophisticated phishing schemes, necessitate ongoing vigilance and adaptation.
Ambassador Jalel Chelba, AFRIPOL’s Executive Director, emphasized the need for sustained efforts:
“Through Serengeti, AFRIPOL has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States. We’ve facilitated key arrests and deepened insights into cybercrime trends. Our focus now includes emerging threats like AI-driven malware and advanced attack techniques.”
