Interpol has announced the arrest of 1,006 individuals across Africa in a two-month crackdown on cybercrime, which has resulted in significant financial losses and victimization, including cases of human trafficking. The operation, named Operation Serengeti, ran from September 2 to October 31, spanning 19 African nations. It was conducted in collaboration with Afripol, the African Union’s police agency, and focused on cybercriminals involved in activities such as ransomware attacks, email fraud, digital extortion, and online scams.
In total, the operation identified 35,000 victims globally, with financial damages amounting to nearly $193 million. Among the most notable cases were a credit card fraud scheme in Kenya, which resulted in losses of $8.6 million, and an online Ponzi scheme in Senegal worth $6 million. Eight arrests were made in Senegal, including five Chinese nationals. Other significant disruptions included a Cameroonian group suspected of using a pyramid scheme for human trafficking, an illegal virtual casino operation in Angola, and a cryptocurrency scam in Nigeria.
Interpol’s Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza, expressed concern over the growing sophistication of cybercrime, citing threats ranging from pyramid schemes to large-scale credit card fraud. Afripol’s Executive Director, Jalel Chelba, emphasized that the operation marked a major boost in the capacity of African nations to address cybercrime, with Afripol focusing on emerging threats like AI-driven malware and advanced hacking techniques.
Despite the success of Operation Serengeti, Interpol continues to face challenges in combating the rising tide of cybercrime. While it remains the world’s largest international policing body, the organization’s budget for 2023 was about €176 million ($188 million), significantly smaller compared to agencies like Europol and the FBI.
The operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global threats and highlights the critical role of local law enforcement and private sector partners, such as internet service providers, in tackling cybercrime.
